The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad in Rabat served as the venue for the official inauguration of the fifth phase of the Neighborhood Partnership between Morocco and the Council of Europe, scheduled to run from 2026 to 2029.
Strengthening institutional ties in Rabat
This high-level gathering brought together delegates from various national departments and institutions, leadership from the Council of Europe office in Rabat, and ambassadors representing member states. The sessions were organized into two distinct panels. The first focused on the achievements and future objectives of the Morocco–Council of Europe cooperation, while the second explored practical strategies to ensure the long-term success of the initiatives planned under this framework.
Since King Mohammed VI ascended to the Throne, Morocco has remained dedicated to a comprehensive reform agenda. This movement is designed to anchor democratic principles, advance human rights, and solidify the rule of law. Driven by a deep-seated commitment to modernizing the state, the Kingdom has integrated these values into its constitutional framework.
Progress in governance and human rights
This ongoing momentum has led to substantial milestones, particularly through the strengthening of democratic institutions established by the 2011 Constitution. Key advancements include the enhancement of national human rights protection mechanisms and a continuous overhaul of the legal system to ensure the complete independence of the judiciary.
This Neighborhood Partnership reflects the Sovereign’s strategic vision to align Moroccan institutions with modern international benchmarks. It also highlights a deepening cooperation with various Council of Europe bodies. For instance, Morocco, through the HACA, has served on the Executive Board of the European Audiovisual Observatory since 2013, making it the only non-European country in its region to hold such a position.
A multidimensional regional leadership
Furthermore, the collaboration extends to sports and the promotion of gender equality, a core principle enshrined in Article 19 of the national Constitution. The relationship between Morocco and the Council of Europe is both long-standing and diverse. Morocco has distinguished itself as one of the most active regional partners by joining 13 conventions and protocols covering critical sectors such as justice, data protection, and the fight against cybercrime.
The Kingdom also maintains a unique diplomatic standing as the first country from the Southern Neighborhood and the only African representative to hold “Partner for Democracy” status with the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (APCE). Additionally, it remains the sole nation in the region to be granted the “Partner for Local Democracy” status by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (CPLR).