The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad in Rabat recently hosted the official inauguration ceremony for the fifth phase of the Morocco–Council of Europe Neighborhood Partnership, covering the period from 2026 to 2029.
This significant gathering brought together key representatives from Moroccan government departments and institutions involved in the partnership, alongside officials from the Council of Europe’s Rabat office. Also in attendance were delegates from various Council of Europe member state embassies accredited to Morocco, underscoring the broad support for this collaboration.
The proceedings featured two distinct panels. The first focused on reviewing the achievements and future prospects of the new Morocco–Council of Europe Neighborhood Partnership. The second panel delved into practical strategies designed to ensure the sustainable implementation of projects outlined within this cooperative framework.
Since His Majesty King Mohammed VI ascended the throne, the Kingdom has embarked on an extensive reform agenda. This ambitious initiative aims to solidify democratic principles, champion human rights, and fortify the rule of law. Driven by a profound commitment to state modernization, Morocco has enshrined robust constitutional pledges.
This progressive momentum has enabled Morocco to achieve remarkable advancements. These include the reinforcement of democratic institutions, as established by the 2011 Constitution, the enhancement of national mechanisms for human rights promotion and protection, and the ongoing reform of the judicial system, culminating in the consecration of an independent judiciary.
It is precisely within this enlightened vision of the Sovereign that the Neighborhood Partnership with the Council of Europe is situated. This collaboration clearly demonstrates Morocco’s unwavering dedication to embedding its institutions in modernity and upholding international standards.
Further evidence of this commitment is seen in the deepened cooperation with Council of Europe bodies across various sectors. These include the audiovisual domain, where Morocco, through the HACA, has been an Executive Board Member of the European Audiovisual Observatory since 2013 – a unique position as the only non-European country from its region to hold such a seat. Cooperation also extends to sports and the vital promotion of gender equality, a fundamental principle enshrined in Article 19 of the Moroccan Constitution.
Indeed, Morocco and the Council of Europe share a long-standing and multifaceted relationship. Morocco stands out as one of the most dedicated partners in the region, demonstrated by its adherence to 13 conventions and protocols spanning diverse fields such as Justice, Cybersecurity, and Data Protection.
Moreover, the Kingdom of Morocco holds the distinction of being the first Southern Neighborhood country and the sole representative from the African continent to serve as a “Partner for Democracy” within the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). It also remains the only nation in the region to have achieved the status of “Partner for Local Democracy” with the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (CPLR).
