The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Residing Abroad served as the venue in Rabat for the official inauguration of the fifth phase of the Morocco–Council of Europe Neighborhood Partnership, covering the 2026-2029 period.
This high-level gathering brought together representatives from various Moroccan institutions and departments, officials from the Council of Europe office in Rabat, and diplomats from member state embassies accredited to the Kingdom.
The event was structured around two primary discussion panels. The first focused on the milestones achieved and the future outlook of this bilateral cooperation, while the second examined practical strategies for the sustainable execution of projects within the new framework.
A commitment to democratic consolidation
Since the accession of King Mohammed VI, Morocco has remained steadfast in its pursuit of comprehensive reforms. These efforts are designed to strengthen democratic foundations, advance human rights, and uphold the rule of law. This modernization of the state is anchored in significant constitutional commitments that have transformed the national landscape.
These initiatives have led to substantial progress, notably through the reinforcement of democratic institutions established by the 2011 Constitution. Key achievements include the enhancement of national human rights protections, the ongoing evolution of the legal system, and the definitive independence of the judiciary.
The Neighborhood Partnership with the Council of Europe aligns perfectly with this royal vision. It reflects the Kingdom’s persistent drive to modernize its institutions while adhering to international benchmarks of governance and rights.
Strategic cooperation and international standing
The collaboration extends into vital sectors such as the audiovisual industry, sports, and gender equality. Notably, through the HACA, Morocco has held a seat on the Executive Board of the European Audiovisual Observatory since 2013, making it the only non-European country in its region to participate. Furthermore, the principle of equality between men and women remains a cornerstone of this progress, as enshrined in Article 19 of the Constitution.
The relationship between Morocco and the Council of Europe is both long-standing and multifaceted. As one of the most active partners in the region, the Kingdom has joined 13 conventions and protocols covering diverse areas such as justice, data protection, and the fight against cybercrime.
Morocco holds a unique position as the first country in the Southern Neighborhood and the sole African representative to serve as a “Partner for Democracy” within the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). Additionally, it is the only nation in the region to achieve “Partner for Local Democracy” status with the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (CPLR).