Morocco unveils new europe partnership to drive reforms and democracy

Morocco and the Council of Europe launch fifth phase of Neighborhood Partnership

A landmark gathering took place in Rabat this week as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates hosted the formal kickoff of the fifth phase of the Morocco–Council of Europe Neighborhood Partnership (2026–2029).

The event brought together key stakeholders, including officials from relevant ministries and institutions, representatives from the Council of Europe’s Rabat office, and ambassadors from European Union member states accredited in Morocco.

Strategic discussions on progress and future implementation

The agenda featured two focused panels: one reviewing the achievements and future outlook of the partnership, and another exploring practical strategies for the sustainable execution of its initiatives.

The Kingdom of Morocco, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, has long championed sweeping reforms to strengthen democracy, uphold human rights, and reinforce the rule of law. These efforts reflect a deep commitment to state modernization and constitutional commitments, driving tangible progress in Morocco’s democratic institutions.

Since adopting the 2011 Constitution, the country has made significant strides—consolidating democratic structures, enhancing national human rights mechanisms, reforming the judiciary, and ensuring judicial independence. This forward-looking vision aligns with the new Neighborhood Partnership with the Council of Europe, reinforcing Morocco’s dedication to aligning its institutions with international standards.

Strengthening cooperation across key sectors

Morocco’s engagement with the Council of Europe extends across multiple domains, including audiovisual regulation, sports, and gender equality. Notably, as the only non-European and regional country represented on the European Audiovisual Observatory’s Executive Council since 2013, the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA) plays a pivotal role in shaping regional media governance.

The partnership has also deepened collaboration in justice reform, cybersecurity, and data protection, with Morocco having ratified 13 key conventions and protocols. Its active participation in the Council of Europe’s democracy initiatives underscores its regional leadership—Morocco is the first southern neighbor and sole African representative holding the “Partner for Democracy” status in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). It is also the only country in the region to earn the “Partner for Local Democracy” designation from the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (CLRAE).