The Future Instrument for Europe in a Global Context
The upcoming Instrument for Europe in the world is designed to enable Moroccan companies to respond to tenders, grants, and awards financed by the European Union (EU). As a part of the southern neighborhood, Morocco's operators are generally deemed eligible for participation. However, this opportunity may be curtailed by Brussels, which plans to restrict access to certain markets under the pretext of security concerns, strategic dependencies, or protecting the interests of the Union. In such scenarios, a European company could secure the primary contract for a project in Morocco while subcontracting portions of the execution to Moroccan firms. Although these local companies may contribute to the project, they would lack control over financing, technical choices, and the technologies employed.
Contract Dynamics: European Opportunities and Moroccan Execution
The risk of marginalization is particularly pronounced in sectors deemed strategic—such as digital infrastructure, critical raw materials, technological equipment, and climate investments. The European project might allow for direct grants to private enterprises based in the EU without an open competition process, which would preclude Moroccan companies from submitting bids for the main contract. This evolving landscape is examined in the report titled "Tied Aid and Strategic Procurement," published by the European Parliament at the request of its development committee. The authors of this report express concern that European preferences could reduce local firms to mere subcontractors, with European groups retaining the most lucrative contracts while Moroccan operators manage portions of the execution with diminished margins and decision-making authority. Furthermore, Morocco may remain reliant on the European contractor even after project completion, as maintenance, updates, spare parts, and access to technologies could continue to incur costs from the original supplier. This arrangement could restrict the transfer of skills and hinder Moroccan companies from advancing in their capabilities. Consequently, a significant portion of skilled jobs, revenues, and technological ownership generated by European funding may remain in Europe. The report advocates for ensuring genuine participation of local suppliers beyond mere subcontracting, calling for technology transfers, knowledge sharing, and guaranteed roles for beneficiary country enterprises.
As reported by bladi.net.
