Morocco launches new phase of partnership with Council of Europe in Rabat

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates hosted the formal launch ceremony for the fifth phase of the Morocco–Council of Europe Neighborhood Partnership (2026–2029) on Tuesday in Rabat.

The event brought together representatives from departments and institutions involved in the partnership, officials from the Council of Europe office in Rabat, and delegates from embassies of Council of Europe member states accredited to Morocco.

Discussions focused on two main panels: one reviewing the achievements and future outlook of the new Morocco–Council of Europe Neighborhood Partnership, and another exploring practical approaches to ensure the sustainable implementation of projects under this framework.

Since King Mohammed VI ascended the throne, Morocco has pursued an extensive reform agenda aimed at strengthening democracy, advancing human rights, and consolidating the rule of law. Driven by a deep commitment to state modernisation, the kingdom has embraced strong constitutional obligations.

This momentum has led to significant progress, including the reinforcement of democratic institutions enshrined in the 2011 Constitution, the strengthening of national human rights promotion and protection mechanisms, ongoing judicial system reforms, and the establishment of an independent judiciary.

It is precisely this enlightened royal vision that underpins the neighborhood partnership with the Council of Europe, reflecting Morocco’s continuous effort to align its institutions with modernity and international standards.

This cooperation has also deepened in areas such as audiovisual media—Morocco, through HACA, has been a member of the Executive Council of the European Audiovisual Observatory since 2013, the only non-European country in its region to hold that seat—as well as sports and the promotion of gender equality, a principle enshrined in Article 19 of the Constitution.

Morocco and the Council of Europe share a longstanding and multifaceted relationship. Morocco stands as one of the region’s most committed partners, having acceded to 13 conventions and protocols in areas including justice, cybercrime, and data protection.

Morocco is also the first southern neighbourhood country and the sole African representative to hold “Partner for Democracy” status with the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, and remains the only country in the region to have obtained “Partner for Local Democracy” status from the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities.