Historic launch of Morocco-EU partnership reinforces regional cooperation
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Residing Abroad hosted a landmark event in Rabat this week, marking the formal inauguration of the fifth phase of the Morocco–Council of Europe Neighbourhood Partnership (2026–2029).
The gathering brought together key officials from relevant ministries, representatives of the Council of Europe Office in Rabat, and ambassadors from European Union member states accredited in Morocco.
The sessions were structured around two focused roundtables: one reviewing the achievements and future outlook of the partnership, and another exploring practical pathways for sustainable implementation of its initiatives.
Long-term commitment to democratic progress
Since ascending to the throne, His Majesty King Mohammed VI has led a sweeping reform agenda aimed at deepening democracy, advancing human rights, and strengthening the rule of law in Morocco. Driven by a vision of modern governance, the Kingdom has adopted bold constitutional commitments that have reshaped its institutional landscape.
Significant milestones include the consolidation of democratic institutions enshrined in the 2011 Constitution, the enhancement of national mechanisms for human rights promotion and protection, ongoing judicial reform, and the safeguarding of judicial independence. These efforts reflect a clear alignment with international standards and a dedication to institutional modernization.
Strategic collaboration with the Council of Europe
This forward-thinking approach underpins Morocco’s renewed partnership with the Council of Europe, reinforcing its position as a proactive regional leader. The collaboration spans critical areas such as audiovisual regulation—where Morocco, through the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA), holds a seat on the executive board of the European Audiovisual Observatory since 2013 and remains the only non-European member from the region—sport, and gender equality, a principle enshrined in Article 19 of the Constitution.
Morocco’s active engagement has also led to its participation in 13 key conventions and protocols covering justice, cybercrime, data protection, and other areas. The Kingdom stands out as one of the most committed partners in the region, reinforcing its role as a bridge between Europe and Africa.
It holds a unique status as the first southern neighbour and sole African representative serving as a “Partner for Democracy” within the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). Additionally, Morocco is the only country in the region to have earned the designation of “Partner for Local Democracy” from the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (CLRAE), further highlighting its leadership in democratic governance.
