Visit of EIB Vice-President Mr. Ricardo Mourinho Félix to UEMF for an exchange with students on climate

On an official visit to Morocco for the first time, the Vice-President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), Mr. Ricardo Mourinho Félix, will go to the Euromed University of Fes (UEMF) on Monday, October 17.

In the presence of Professor Mostapha Bousmina, President of UEMF, Mr. Ricardo Mourinho Félix will give a lecture to UEMF students to emphasize the importance of climate issues for youth ahead of the next COP 27.

This visit takes place in a "Team Europe" spirit and underlines the importance of the Morocco-EU partnership to strengthen innovation, inclusion and research excellence in higher education.

As the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP27) approaches, scheduled to take place in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt from November 6 to 18, Mr. Ricardo Mourinho Félix will discuss with UEMF students and faculty the challenges and opportunities of the climate transition as well as the role of the EIB, as the climate bank, in promoting sustainable models in Morocco and worldwide.

In the spirit of Team Europe, this visit to UEMF’s eco-campus highlights the importance of the Morocco–EU partnership to strengthen youth skills, inclusion and employment prospects. Since 2016, the European Union and the EIB have supported the Moroccan Government in accompanying various development projects, including UEMF, with programs of teaching and research excellence.

The EIB and EU’s support to UEMF amounts to 58 million MAD in grants and 148 million MAD in subsidies in addition to an EIB loan of 784 million MAD. These funds have enabled the construction and equipping of the University’s eco-campus according to the best international standards, which now extends over more than 40 hectares and is home daily to some 3,000 students and faculty-researchers representing 43 nationalities. This European support has also strengthened access for the most deserving students by supporting the University’s scholarship policy. In 2026, UEMF is expected to host more than 6,000 students from all backgrounds.

“I am very pleased to visit the University, unique in the region, thanks to this exceptional partnership between the Government of Morocco, the European Investment Bank and the European Union.” declared Ricardo Mourinho Félix, Vice-President of the EIB responsible for financing in Morocco, on the occasion of his visit to UEMF. “A few weeks before COP27, I wanted to discuss with students the importance of climate issues, but also the opportunities opened by the climate transition. These young people are full of energy and we need them to meet climate and environmental sustainability challenges. In this regard, UEMF is perfectly positioned thanks to its excellent programs and its quality research center. We are proud to continue our support for the development of this exceptional university.”