Rabat recently hosted a formal launch ceremony for the fifth phase of the Morocco–Council of Europe Neighborhood Partnership (2026–2029), organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Residents Abroad.
The event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from relevant ministries and institutions, officials from the Council of Europe Office in Rabat, and ambassadors of European Union member states accredited to Morocco.
The discussions centered on two main panels: one reviewing the achievements and future outlook of the new Neighborhood Partnership, and another exploring practical strategies for sustainable project implementation within this framework.
Since ascending to the throne, King Mohammed VI has championed sweeping reforms aimed at reinforcing democracy, advancing human rights, and strengthening the rule of law. Guided by a vision of modernization, Morocco has adopted robust constitutional commitments to drive these changes forward.
These efforts have yielded tangible progress. Notable milestones include the consolidation of democratic institutions enshrined in the 2011 Constitution, the reinforcement of national mechanisms for human rights promotion and protection, ongoing judicial system reforms, and the formal recognition of judicial independence.
The latest Neighborhood Partnership with the Council of Europe reflects this forward-thinking approach, demonstrating Morocco’s determination to align its institutions with international standards and best practices.
The partnership also highlights Morocco’s deepening cooperation with Council of Europe bodies in areas such as audiovisual regulation—the country, through the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA), has been a member of the European Audiovisual Observatory’s Executive Council since 2013—and stands as the only non-European member from its region. Other key areas include sports governance and gender equality, a principle firmly established in Article 19 of the Constitution.
Morocco’s long-standing and multidimensional relationship with the Council of Europe underscores its role as one of the most proactive partners in the region. The country has ratified 13 conventions and protocols spanning justice, cybercrime, data protection, and other critical domains.
Beyond these achievements, Morocco holds a unique position as the first Southern Neighbourhood partner and the sole African representative to serve as a Partner for Democracy within the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). Additionally, it remains the only country in the region to have earned the Partner for Local Democracy status with the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (CLRAE).