Morocco accelerates strategic energy development through energy diplomacy
via Le Matin6 min read
Morocco is increasingly recognized as a credible and ambitious player in the energy transition, according to Samir Rachidi, Director General of the Institute for Research in Solar Energy and New Energies IRESEN. A new 146-page collective work, "Moroccan Energy Diplomacy in the Euro-Mediterranean and Atlantic Space," published by Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and edited by Steven Höfner and Rabii El Bacha, highlights how energy has become a foreign policy instrument for Morocco over the past decade. The book, featuring eight Moroccan legal experts and researchers, examines the intersection of law, geopolitics, and engineering. The publication traces this strategic shift back to the 2014 Morocco-European Union summit, where King Mohammed VI advocated for a controlled, secure, and sustainable Euro-Mediterranean energy policy. Morocco is now evolving into an energy integration platform to strengthen regional cooperation. Key infrastructure projects underscore this ambition. Morocco is the first African country physically connected to the European electricity grid, with the initial Morocco-Spain link established in 1997. A second circuit doubled its capacity to 1,400 MW, jointly financed by Spain's Red Electrica and Morocco's ONEE. A third interconnection is under study. The Sila Atlantik project, backed by Berlin and Xlinks, aims to deliver 3.6 GW of renewable electricity to Germany via two 4,800-kilometer subsea cables, supported by 15 GW of solar and wind capacity in Morocco. This p
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The governments of the Kingdom of Morocco and the French Republic will hold the 15th session of the Morocco-France High-Level Meeting on Thursday in Rabat. This session reinforces the exceptional and strengthened partnership between Morocco and France, guided by the two heads of state, King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron, according to a statement from the Department of the Head of Government.
National coach Mohamed Ouahbi addressed recent comments from Sofyan Amrabat's family regarding the player's lack of playing time, adopting a calm and educational approach during a press conference. Ouahbi dismissed any notion of a major issue, attributing the frustration to a player eager for more time on the field and a family concerned about seeing him on the bench. He drew on his experience working with youth players and their parents, stating he understands the emotions involved. Ouahbi praised Amrabat's character and commitment, noting that despite his disappointment about not playing, Amrabat consistently trained hard. He explained that Amrabat's reduced playing time was due to strong competition from other emerging talents like Bouaddi, El Aynaoui, and El Mourabet. By handling the situation with detachment and avoiding direct confrontation, Ouahbi preserved team unity and left the door open for Amrabat, an essential figure in the locker room, to continue contributing to the National Team.
Must ReadMorocco is preparing for its 2026 legislative elections, with the Ministry of Interior outlining a strict timeline and new digital procedures for political parties. The general voter lists were revised from May 15 to July 10, 2026, under the supervision of magistrates, ensuring a legal foundation for the upcoming process. Key dates include the opening of the electronic candidate submission platform on August 31, 2026, at 8 AM. Digital candidate lists must be submitted by noon on September 8, followed by physical submission of original documents by September 9. The election campaign will run from September 10 to September 22, with voting scheduled for September 23. The digital platform is mandatory, requiring parties to submit all data and documents online before presenting physical copies to authorities. Incomplete submissions will be rejected. To aid this transition, the ministry will offer a six-day simulation phase for parties to test the platform and ensure document compatibility. Required documents include candidate lists, accreditations, proof of deposit, photos, electronic national identity card copies, criminal records, and voter registration certificates. Candidates residing abroad need additional documents like foreign criminal records and residency certificates. Candidates with disabilities must provide official documentation to qualify for financial incentives. All candidates and list representatives must possess a valid electronic national identity card, as it is