PRIMA 2025–2027: Strengthening Mediterranean Collaboration
The European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco have just taken an important step towards a more sustainable and cooperative Mediterranean future. Following successful negotiations in Brussels, Morocco will officially rejoin the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) for the 2025–2027 period.
This renewed agreement, initialled by representatives of both the European Commission and the Kingdom of Morocco, marks a milestone in scientific diplomacy, reinforcing collaboration across the region in areas such as water management, sustainable farming, and food security.
A renewed commitment to regional cooperation
Through this agreement, Moroccan universities, research institutions, and businesses will continue to play an active role in PRIMA projects, benefiting from both European and national funding.
Morocco has been a strong performer since PRIMA’s creation in 2018, already participating in more than 130 funded projects and coordinating several of them. With a new €6.6 million contribution, the country reaffirms its long-term dedication to advancing sustainable solutions in the Mediterranean basin.
What is PRIMA?
Launched in 2018 and co-funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe, the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) aims to strengthen research and innovation capacities across 20 participating countries, both EU and non-EU.
Its mission is to support joint projects that deliver practical solutions for some of the region’s most pressing challenges, focusing on three main themes:
- Water management: developing efficient use and governance of limited resources.
- Farming systems: improving resilience, productivity, and sustainability in agriculture.
- Food value chains: fostering innovation to ensure food security and reduce waste.
Since 2019, PRIMA has adopted the Water–Energy–Food–Ecosystem (WEFE) Nexus, a holistic approach that recognises how these systems are interconnected and must be addressed together for long-term sustainability.
What´s new for 2025-2027
The extension of PRIMA’s mandate until 2027 ensures the continuity of this vital cooperation framework under Horizon Europe. With an overall budget exceeding €700 million, PRIMA will continue to fund collaborative research through annual calls for proposals, encouraging partnerships between public bodies, research organisations, and private companies on both shores of the Mediterranean.
These calls are structured in three funding sections, combining EU and national contributions, a model that promotes shared ownership, co-decision, and mutual benefit among participants.
Why PRIMA matters
The Mediterranean is one of the regions most exposed to climate change, water scarcity, and vulnerabilities in the food system. PRIMA provides a powerful platform for transforming these challenges into opportunities, connecting researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs to co-develop solutions that strengthen resilience and sustainability.
Morocco’s renewed participation is more than a diplomatic milestone; it’s a reaffirmation that science and innovation are key drivers of regional stability and prosperity.
🔸 We’re Ready to Help You Navigate What’s Next
At Evolution Europe, we help research institutions, startups, and SMEs identify and apply for the most suitable European funding opportunities, including PRIMA.
If your organisation aims to drive impact through innovation in the Mediterranean area, we can guide you through every step of the process, from shaping your proposal to managing your project.
