## Morocco Soaring High: 80 Million Passengers Targeted by 2030

** Rabat:** Morocco is setting its sights on a major aviation expansion, aiming to more than double its airport passenger capacity to a staggering 80 million by 2030. This ambitious goal was unveiled Thursday with the signing of a new investment agreement between the government and the National Airports Office (ONDA) in Rabat.

**"Airports 2030": A Vision Taking Flight**

 Transport and logistics minister Abdessamad Kayouh, speaking after the ceremony chaired by prime minister Aziz Akhannouch, confirmed that this protocol falls under the royal "Airports 2030" vision. The plan encompasses the construction of a brand new international airport in Casablanca, alongside significant expansions to seven other airports located in cities hosting matches for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

**Tourism Boom and International Standards:**

With a renewed financial approach and an overall investment package of 38 billion dirhams over the 2025-2030 period, the plan aims to meet surging tourism demand while aligning Morocco’s aviation infrastructure with international standards and future mobility needs.  Minister Kayouh emphasized that this agreement is crucial for ensuring Morocco's airports are equipped to handle the growing demands of a globalized world. 




## Morocco Soaring High: 80 Million Passengers Targeted by 2030

** Rabat:** Morocco is setting its sights on a major aviation expansion, aiming to more than do

Morocco to boost airport capacity to 80 Million passengers b

Morocco to boost airport capacity to 80 Million passengers by 2030 under new investment protocol

## Spain Demands EU Revisit Trade Deal With Morocco Over Tomato Imports 

**Spanish lawmakers are urging the European Commission to reconsider its trade agreement with Morocco, claiming it unfairly disadvantages Spanish tomato growers and violates a 2024 EU court ruling.**


### Pressure Mounts on EU Amidst Rising Tomato Import Concerns

MEPs Carmen Crespo and Mireia Borrás Pabón have called for immediate action, arguing that the current deal is creating an “unacceptable imbalance” in Europe’s fruit and vegetable market. 

Crespo specifically demands stricter import quotas, greater transparency regarding product origins, and tighter price controls. She further warns that Moroccan tomato imports could be costing the EU up to €70 million in lost taxes due to potential tax evasion, calling for financial compensation if this is confirmed.


###  Court Ruling Ignored: Spanish Tomatoes Face Stiff Competition

Borrás Pabón echoes these concerns, criticizing the European Commission for inaction nearly a year after the court ruling. She emphasizes that tomatoes originating from the Moroccan Sahara should not benefit from tariff advantages and must be clearly labeled with their true origin. 

Trade groups Fepex and Eucofel have joined the chorus of dissent, stating that Moroccan imports are undermining EU tomato production. They point to a dramatic surge in Moroccan tomato imports – increasing by 269% over the past decade from 18,000 tons in 2014 to over 66,000 tons in 2024. Conversely, Spanish tomato production has fallen by 31%, and exports to the EU have dropped by a quarter during this period.


###  EU Faces Growing Pressure Amidst Trade Tensions

The European Commission is yet to respond but is expected to provide a written reply soon. This debate comes amidst growing anxieties among EU farmers, particularly in Spain, regarding perceived unfair competition and inadequate enforcement of trade regulations. The situation risks further straining agricultural relations between Europe and Morocco. 


## Spain Demands EU Revisit Trade Deal With Morocco Over Tomato Imports 

**Spanish lawmakers are urging the European Commission to reconsider its trade agreeme

Spanish MEPs push EU to revisit Morocco trade deal over Moro

Spanish MEPs push EU to revisit Morocco trade deal over Moroccan Sahara ruling

## **Morocco Streamlines Degree Equivalency Process for European Graduates**

**Foreign Degrees from Spain, France, Belgium, Germany, and UK Recognized** 

Morocco's Ministry of Higher Education has significantly simplified the process for recognizing foreign degrees earned in five European countries. Five new decrees, published in Official Gazette No. 7422 on July 17, 2025, grant equivalency to bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and engineering degrees from public institutions in Spain, France, Belgium, Germany, and the UK.

**Clear Qualifications for Recognition**

To qualify for recognition, diplomas must meet specific criteria: they should be national-level public degrees (“diplômes étatiques”) obtained through regular study at a public institution.  Applicants must also provide proof of residency in the awarding country during their studies.

Engineering degrees from these countries are now equivalent to Morocco's "Diplôme d’ingénieur d’État" provided they require a minimum of five years of study after completing scientific baccalaureate.


**Access Official Information and Future Expansions**

The Ministry urges applicants to verify compliance with the new decrees through the Official Gazette or the dedicated portal enssup.gov.ma. The ministry also confirmed its ongoing efforts to expand degree recognition to additional countries in the future.  


## **Morocco Streamlines Degree Equivalency Process for European Graduates**

**Foreign Degrees from Spain, France, Belgium, Germany, and UK Recognized** 

Moro

Morocco simplifies equivalency process for foreign degrees f

Morocco simplifies equivalency process for foreign degrees from five countries

## Bridging the Digital Divide: Telecom Expansion Tops National Agenda 

**Morocco Races to Ensure Universal Access by 2030**

Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch has declared that expanding nationwide telecom networks to guarantee access for all citizens is a critical national priority, demanding immediate attention.  Addressing the National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) Board of Directors in Rabat on Friday, Akhannouch stressed that while progress has been made, comprehensive coverage, particularly in mountainous regions, remains crucial.

**A Call to Action: Mobilizing Resources for Digital Inclusion**

Akhannouch emphasized the need to mobilize all available resources and focus efforts on achieving this goal, acknowledging the concerns of citizens in several regions lacking access to quality telecommunication services. He assured that the government is fully committed to supporting the ANRT in delivering comprehensive and efficient coverage, thus reducing the digital divide.  He called upon the Agency to identify underserved areas in collaboration with relevant ministries to provide high-quality telecom services as quickly as possible.

**Digital Transformation: A Cornerstone of Morocco's Future**

Akhannouch underscored Morocco's recognition of the vital role digital transformation plays in socio-economic development, highlighting its commitment to a comprehensive and integrated approach aligned with global technological advancements.  He emphasized that the national strategy "Morocco Digital 2030" aims to achieve socio-economic and digital inclusion through strategic initiatives.

**Telecom: A Driver of National Development**

The Head of Government declared Morocco's intention to leverage the telecom sector as a catalyst for national development, contributing to improved economic and spatial development indicators, increased sectoral competitiveness, job creation, and reduced digital and spatial disparities. He expressed pride in the significant improvements in coverage and access rates, particularly within the mobile telephony sector (57 million subscribers) and internet usage (nearly 40 million users), placing Morocco at the top of African rankings according to the International Telecommunication Union's Information and Communication Technology Development Index (IDI).

**Preparing for Major Sporting Events: Telecom Infrastructure Upgrade**

Akhannouch highlighted Morocco's upcoming hosting of major sporting events, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup, emphasizing the need for robust telecom infrastructure to support these endeavors.  He assured that the government, in collaboration with all stakeholders, is actively working to mobilize resources and support ongoing structural projects aimed at expanding broadband internet coverage and fiber optic networks. He revealed plans to connect nearly 5.2 million households by 2030 and deploy 5G technology through a recently launched call for tenders, enabling coverage across several cities.


**Acknowledging the Vital Role of Telecom Operators**

Akhannouch concluded by praising the significant contributions of telecom operators in driving sector development and their relentless efforts towards achieving national connectivity goals. 


## Bridging the Digital Divide: Telecom Expansion Tops National Agenda 

**Morocco Races to Ensure Universal Access by 2030**

Head of Government Aziz Akhannouc

Nationwide Expansion of Telecom Networks is a Pressing Need,

Nationwide Expansion of Telecom Networks is a Pressing Need, Gov’t Chief Says

## Royal Amnesty Urged as Rights Group Highlights Press Freedom Concerns 

**Ahead of King Mohammed VI's Accession Anniversary, Call for Detainee Release and Legal Reform**


A new memorandum from the Justice Center for Human Rights (JCHR) urges a general royal amnesty for political detainees and journalists in Morocco.  This call comes just ahead of the 26th anniversary of King Mohammed VI's accession to the throne.

The JCHR's 2025 memo, released this week, expresses deep concern over the limited progress made in securing press freedom within Morocco. The document cites ongoing judicial harassment, vague legal provisions, and financial pressure that undermines independent media outlets.  


**Obstacles to Freedom of Expression Highlighted**


The JCHR specifically points to concerns surrounding the use of penal code articles 265 and 126, restrictions on accessing information, and the prevalence of self-censorship within the media landscape. Based on reports, legal reviews, and firsthand testimonies from journalists, the Center demands urgent legal reform, transparent trials, and institutional safeguards designed to align with Morocco's international commitments regarding human rights.


**A Call for Dialogue and Reconciliation**

Beyond legal reforms, the JCHR emphasizes the crucial need for inclusive national dialogue and the implementation of recommendations made by the Equity and Reconciliation Commission. The memo urges Moroccan authorities to take concrete steps towards fostering a more open and transparent society that respects fundamental freedoms.  


## Royal Amnesty Urged as Rights Group Highlights Press Freedom Concerns 

**Ahead of King Mohammed VI's Accession Anniversary, Call for Detainee Release and Le

Politics News

Morocco to boost airport capacity to 80 Million passengers by 2030 under new investment protocol

Spanish MEPs push EU to revisit Morocco trade deal over Moroccan Sahara ruling

Morocco simplifies equivalency process for foreign degrees from five countries

Nationwide Expansion of Telecom Networks is a Pressing Need, Gov’t Chief Says

Rights group urges royal amnesty and press reform ahead of throne day