In Rabat, a landmark event marked the official inauguration of the fifth phase of the Morocco-European Council Neighborhood Partnership, spanning from 2026 to 2029. The ceremony, held under the patronage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad, brought together key stakeholders from relevant ministries, the European Council’s Rabat office, and ambassadors from European Union member states accredited to Morocco.
Strategic collaboration for mutual progress
This new cooperation framework is designed to build on past achievements while accelerating joint initiatives across vital sectors. The agenda featured two focused discussions: one assessing the progress and future outlook of the Partnership, and another exploring practical strategies for sustainable implementation of its projects.
Morocco’s commitment to democratic reform
Since ascending to the throne, His Majesty King Mohammed VI has spearheaded sweeping reforms to strengthen democracy, uphold human rights, and reinforce the rule of law. These efforts have yielded tangible results, including the consolidation of democratic institutions enshrined in the 2011 Constitution, enhanced national mechanisms for human rights protection, ongoing judicial reforms, and the reinforcement of judicial independence.
The Neighborhood Partnership with the European Council embodies Morocco’s unwavering dedication to aligning its governance with international standards. This vision is reflected in deepened cooperation across key areas such as audiovisual regulation—where Morocco, through the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA), serves as the sole non-European and regional member of the European Audiovisual Observatory’s Executive Council since 2013—as well as sports governance and gender equality, a principle explicitly recognized in Article 19 of the Constitution.
A longstanding and dynamic partnership
Morocco and the European Council have maintained a robust, multidimensional relationship. The Kingdom stands out as one of the most proactive partners in the region, having ratified 13 conventions and protocols covering areas such as justice, cybercrime, and data protection. Morocco holds a unique status as the first Southern Neighborhood country—and Africa’s only representative—to be designated as a Partner for Democracy within the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). Additionally, it remains the sole nation in the region to have secured the Partner for Local Democracy status with the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (CLRAE).
Building a future rooted in shared values
This latest phase of the Partnership underscores Morocco’s role as a forward-thinking nation committed to fostering stability, prosperity, and mutual respect across the Mediterranean. By leveraging its strategic position and deepening engagement with European institutions, Morocco continues to set a benchmark for regional cooperation and democratic governance.