On Tuesday in Rabat, the ministry of foreign affairs, african cooperation and moroccans residing abroad hosted the formal launch ceremony of the fifth phase of the Morocco-council of Europe neighbourhood partnership (2026-2029).

The meeting gathered representatives from ministries and institutions involved in this partnership, officials from the council of Europe office in Rabat, and delegates from embassies of council of Europe member states accredited to Morocco.

Discussions revolved around two panels: one on the achievements and outlook of the new Morocco-council of Europe neighbourhood partnership, and another on concrete approaches to ensure the sustainable implementation of projects under this framework.

Since the accession of his majesty king Mohammed VI to the throne, Morocco has embarked on an extensive reform process aimed at strengthening democracy, promoting human rights, and reinforcing the rule of law. Driven by ambition and a deep conviction to modernise the state, the kingdom has made strong constitutional commitments.

This momentum has led to significant progress, including the consolidation of democratic institutions established by the 2011 constitution, the strengthening of national mechanisms for human rights promotion and protection, the ongoing reform of the judicial system, and the consecration of judicial independence.

It is precisely within this enlightened royal vision that the neighbourhood partnership with the council of Europe is rooted, reflecting Morocco’s continuous will to anchor its institutions in modernity and adherence to international standards.

This commitment has also translated into deepened cooperation with council of Europe bodies in areas such as audiovisual media (Morocco, via HACA, has been a member of the executive council of the European audiovisual observatory since 2013, the only non-European and regional country to sit there), sports, and the promotion of gender equality, a principle enshrined in article 19 of the constitution.

Indeed, Morocco and the council of Europe maintain long-standing and multidimensional ties. Morocco stands as one of the most engaged partners in the region, having acceded to 13 conventions and protocols in various fields (justice, cybercrime, data protection, etc.).

Morocco is also the first country from the southern neighbourhood and the only representative from the african continent to hold the status of “partner for democracy” in the parliamentary assembly of the council of Europe (PACE). It remains the sole country in the region to have obtained the status of “partner for local democracy” within the congress of local and regional authorities (CLRAE).