Morocco Unveils Fifth Phase of Neighborhood Partnership with Europe

Rabat witnessed a landmark event on Tuesday as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad hosted the formal inauguration of the fifth phase of the Morocco–Council of Europe Neighborhood Partnership (2026–2029).

The gathering brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from relevant ministries and institutions, officials from the Council of Europe’s Rabat office, and ambassadors of European Union member states accredited in Morocco.

Discussions centered on two critical themes: a retrospective analysis of achievements from previous phases and an exploration of actionable strategies to ensure the sustainable implementation of upcoming projects under this renewed framework.

Morocco’s Ongoing Commitment to Democratic Reforms and Human Rights

Since ascending to the throne, His Majesty King Mohammed VI has championed a sweeping agenda of reforms aimed at reinforcing democracy, advancing human rights, and solidifying the rule of law. This vision has driven Morocco to adopt robust constitutional commitments, positioning the country as a regional leader in institutional modernization.

Significant milestones include the strengthening of democratic institutions enshrined in the 2011 Constitution, the enhancement of national mechanisms for human rights promotion and protection, the ongoing judicial reform, and the reinforcement of judicial independence. These efforts reflect the Kingdom’s unwavering dedication to aligning its governance with international standards.

Strategic Collaboration with the Council of Europe

The newly launched partnership underscores Morocco’s resolve to deepen its ties with the Council of Europe across multiple sectors. Key areas of cooperation include audiovisual regulation—where Morocco, through the Haute Autorité de la Communication Audiovisuelle (HACA), has been a member of the European Audiovisual Observatory’s executive council since 2013—and stands as the only non-European and regional representative on the board. Other focal points include sports diplomacy and the advancement of gender equality, a constitutional principle highlighted in Article 19.

Morocco’s engagement with the Council of Europe spans decades, marked by its proactive participation in 13 conventions and protocols covering justice, cybercrime, data protection, and more. This proactive stance has cemented its reputation as one of the most engaged partners in the region.

The Kingdom holds a unique position as the first Southern Neighborhood country—and the sole African representative—to hold the title of “Partner for Democracy” within the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). Furthermore, Morocco is the only nation in its region to have earned the status of “Partner for Local Democracy” with the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (CLRA).