The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad hosted the official launch ceremony of the fifth phase of the Morocco–Council of Europe Neighborhood Partnership (2026–2029) in Rabat on Tuesday.
Attendees included representatives from relevant ministries and institutions, officials from the Council of Europe Office in Rabat, and ambassadors of Council of Europe member states accredited to Morocco.
Key discussions and strategic priorities
The event featured two panel discussions: the first focused on reviewing past achievements and future prospects of the partnership, while the second examined practical approaches to ensure sustainable implementation of its initiatives.
Commitment to democratic progress and human rights
Since ascending to the throne, His Majesty King Mohammed VI has spearheaded sweeping reforms aimed at strengthening democracy, advancing human rights, and reinforcing the rule of law. These efforts are deeply rooted in constitutional commitments to modernize governance and align national institutions with global standards.
Significant milestones have been reached, including the consolidation of democratic institutions outlined in the 2011 Constitution, enhanced national mechanisms for human rights protection, judicial system reforms, and the affirmation of judicial independence.
Strengthening international alliances
This forward-looking vision underpins Morocco’s Neighborhood Partnership with the Council of Europe, demonstrating the country’s ongoing dedication to integrating modern governance and international best practices into its institutions.
The partnership also reflects Morocco’s deepened collaboration with Council of Europe bodies in areas such as audiovisual regulation (since 2013, Morocco, through the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication, has been the only non-European and regional member of the European Audiovisual Observatory’s Executive Council), sports, and gender equality—an essential principle enshrined in Article 19 of the Constitution.
Decades of strategic engagement
Morocco and the Council of Europe share long-standing, multifaceted relations. As one of the most active partners in the region, Morocco has ratified 13 conventions and protocols covering justice, cybercrime, and data protection, among other critical domains.
Notably, Morocco holds the distinction of being the first Southern Neighborhood country—and the sole African representative—to serve as a Partner for Democracy in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Additionally, it remains the only nation in its region to have earned the Partner for Local Democracy status with the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities.
