Maroc europe partnership launched in Rabat
In the Kingdom
Morocco and Europe launch new Neighborhood Partnership in Rabat
This strategic cooperation framework aims to solidify achievements and expand joint initiatives across key sectors for the 2026-2029 period.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad hosted the formal launch of the fifth phase of the Morocco-Europe Neighborhood Partnership (2026-2029) in Rabat on Tuesday.
Participants included representatives from relevant ministries and institutions, officials from the Council of Europe Office in Rabat, and ambassadors from European Union member states accredited to Morocco.
The sessions focused on two key panels: one reviewing past accomplishments and future prospects of the partnership, and another exploring practical strategies for sustainable project implementation.
Since His Majesty King Mohammed VI ascended the throne, Morocco has pursued sweeping reforms to strengthen democracy, advance human rights, and reinforce the rule of law. These constitutional commitments have driven significant progress, including the consolidation of democratic institutions enshrined in the 2011 Constitution, the enhancement of national mechanisms for human rights promotion and protection, ongoing judicial reforms, and the establishment of judicial independence.
This forward-thinking vision underpins the new Neighborhood Partnership with the Council of Europe, reaffirming Morocco’s dedication to modernizing its institutions and aligning with international standards.
Morocco’s engagement extends across multiple domains, including audiovisual regulation—where the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA) has been a member of the European Audiovisual Observatory’s Executive Council since 2013, making it the only non-European and regional representative on the board. Cooperation also spans sports and gender equality, a principle enshrined in Article 19 of the Constitution.
Morocco’s long-standing and multidimensional relationship with the Council of Europe is highlighted by its active participation in 13 conventions and protocols covering justice, cybercrime, data protection, and more. The Kingdom stands out as one of the most committed partners in the region, holding the unique distinction of being the first Southern Neighborhood country and the sole African representative to serve as a Partner for Democracy in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). It is also the only country in the region to have earned the Partner for Local Democracy status with the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (CLRAE).
Strengthening institutional ties
The launch event underscores Morocco’s proactive role in forging stronger institutional bonds with Europe. This partnership not only reflects the Kingdom’s progress in governance and human rights but also sets the stage for deeper collaboration in areas critical to sustainable development and regional stability.