The European Union and Morocco consolidate a strategic partnership that is key to regional stability
The strengthening of bilateral ties is based on migration management, security, trade and the future Pact for the Mediterranean, within the framework of the EU's neighbourhood policy
- Paradigm shift in Euro-Moroccan cooperation
- Brussels strengthens ties with Morocco at the Ministerial Meeting
The European Union (EU) and Morocco maintain a strong and multidimensional strategic partnership, based on the shared principles of the EU's neighbourhood policy and the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership. The relationship covers key areas of growth such as trade, energy, the environment, social cooperation, the economy, migration, mobility, security and the green transition, with a view to moving towards joint sustainable development.
Against a backdrop of growing geopolitical challenges in regions such as the Sahel, North Africa and the Mediterranean, Rabat has positioned itself as a key regional and international player in the areas of migration, counter-terrorism and cybersecurity.
Morocco's great efforts and successes in recent years in these areas have led Europe to no longer see the North African country as a transit country, but as a key player in foreign policy, especially for the stability and security of its southern neighbourhood.
Paradigm shift in Euro-Moroccan cooperation
For years, the relationship between Brussels and Rabat has been marked by imbalance. Before Morocco began its global expansion, financial support from the Western bloc was very limited compared to the large budget allocations that the Moroccan government allocated to migration to prevent members of all kinds of terrorist organisations, drug traffickers and smugglers of all kinds of illegal substances, including human trafficking, from reaching Europe. However, this vision has evolved towards a logic of shared responsibility and mutual benefit, based on an ‘equal partnership’ under the ‘win-win’ principle.
On 17 July, European Commissioner Dubravka Suica reaffirmed Brussels' commitment to expanding this collaboration, especially in the area of migration, one of the pillars of the ‘Global Europe’ framework. This plan includes doubling the funds allocated to North African countries in the next EU budget.
Morocco's geostrategic position and its role as ‘Europe's gateway to Africa’ reinforce its value as a priority ally for Europe, particularly in a regional environment marked by terrorist threats in the Sahel region, where one in three attacks worldwide takes place.
Brussels strengthens ties with Morocco at the Ministerial Meeting
In this context, Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita participated in the 5th Ministerial Meeting of the European Union with the Southern Neighbourhood in Brussels. Together with Morocco's Permanent Representative to the EU, Bourita held key meetings with Commissioner Suica to advance bilateral agreements ahead of the new Pact for the Mediterranean, which will be presented in the coming months on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Declaration.
This ministerial meeting, which was attended by ministers from non-member countries, was described as a strong signal of commitment to more inclusive cooperation. Suica stressed the importance of this new pact, which also includes Gulf countries, as a fundamental instrument in a complex regional context.
Finally, Bourita stressed that greater integration between the European Union and Morocco will boost economic growth in the Mediterranean area, with the potential to become a global strategic hub.
