A new phase for Morocco-Council of Europe cooperation
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad in Rabat served as the venue for the official inauguration of the fifth stage of the Morocco-Council of Europe Neighborhood Partnership. This new phase, set to run from 2026 to 2029, marks a continued commitment to shared democratic values and institutional growth.
The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from various Moroccan government departments, officials from the Council of Europe office in Rabat, and ambassadors representing member states of the Council of Europe. The discussions were structured around two primary panels: the first evaluated the achievements and future prospects of the partnership, while the second focused on concrete strategies for the sustainable implementation of planned projects.
Commitment to democratic reform and human rights
Since the accession of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco has been dedicated to a comprehensive reform process. This national journey is centered on the consolidation of democracy, the promotion of human rights, and the strengthening of the rule of law. These efforts are driven by a deep-seated ambition to modernize the state through robust constitutional commitments.
Significant progress has been documented through the strengthening of democratic institutions as established by the 2011 Constitution. This includes the enhancement of national human rights protection mechanisms and the ongoing modernization of the judicial system, emphasizing the independence of the judiciary. This partnership with the Council of Europe is a direct reflection of the Sovereign’s vision to align Moroccan institutions with international standards of excellence.
A multidimensional and unique partnership
The collaboration between Morocco and the Council of Europe is both long-standing and diverse. Cooperation has deepened in specific sectors such as the audiovisual industry—where Morocco, through the HACA, has been a member of the Executive Board of the European Audiovisual Observatory since 2013—as well as in sports and the advancement of gender equality, a principle enshrined in Article 19 of the Moroccan Constitution.
Morocco stands out as one of the most proactive partners in the region, having joined 13 conventions and protocols covering vital areas such as justice, cybercrime, and data protection. Furthermore, the Kingdom remains the first country in the Southern Neighborhood and the sole African representative to hold “Partner for Democracy” status with the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). It also remains the only nation in its region to be granted “Partner for Local Democracy” status by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (CLRAE).
