Rabat inaugurates fifth phase of Morocco–council of europe neighborhood partnership

On Tuesday in Rabat, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad presided over the formal launch ceremony for the fifth phase of the Morocco–Council of Europe Neighborhood Partnership, which will span the years 2026 to 2029.

This significant gathering convened representatives from various government departments and institutions involved in the partnership, along with officials from the Council of Europe’s Rabat Office. Ambassadors from Council of Europe member states accredited to Morocco were also in attendance, underscoring the broad international engagement.

The proceedings were structured around two insightful panels. The first delved into the achievements and future prospects of the new Morocco–Council of Europe Neighborhood Partnership. The second focused on practical strategies designed to ensure the sustainable implementation of projects outlined within this collaborative framework.

Since the ascension of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to the Throne, the Kingdom of Morocco has consistently pursued a comprehensive reform process. This initiative aims to solidify democratic governance, champion human rights, and reinforce the rule of law. Driven by a profound commitment to state modernization, Morocco has embedded robust constitutional pledges into its national framework.

This dynamic reform agenda has enabled Morocco to achieve considerable progress. Notably, it has strengthened democratic institutions, enshrined by the 2011 Constitution, enhanced national mechanisms for promoting and safeguarding human rights, continued the reform of its judicial system, and affirmed the independence of the judiciary.

The Neighborhood Partnership with the Council of Europe perfectly aligns with this enlightened vision from the Sovereign. It stands as a testament to Morocco’s unwavering dedication to modernizing its institutions and upholding international standards.

Furthermore, this commitment has translated into deepened cooperation with various Council of Europe bodies. Areas of collaboration include audiovisual matters, where Morocco, through the HACA, has been a member of the Executive Council of the European Audiovisual Observatory since 2013, uniquely representing a non-European country from its region. Cooperation also extends to sports and the vital promotion of gender equality, a principle firmly established by Article 19 of the Moroccan Constitution.

Indeed, Morocco and the Council of Europe share a long-standing and multifaceted relationship. Morocco distinguishes itself as one of the most proactive partners in the region, demonstrated by its adherence to 13 conventions and protocols across diverse fields, including Justice, Cybercrime, and Data Protection.

The Kingdom of Morocco holds the distinction of being the first Southern Neighborhood nation and the sole representative from the African continent to serve as a “Partner for Democracy” with the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). It also remains the only country in the region to have achieved the status of “Partner for Local Democracy” with the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (CPLR).