A Strategic Turning Point; Morocco-EU Partnership

Monday 23 December 2024 - 14:01

The strategic partnership between Morocco and the European Union (EU), which has been a cornerstone of the EU's neighborhood policy, has reached a pivotal moment in its long and rich history. In 2024, this relationship continued to strengthen, founded on mutual trust, shared values, and an ambitious vision. However, it is more important than ever that this unique partnership is reinforced and defended.

Over time, the partnership has withstood various challenges, emerging stronger each time. Its maturity is such that even legal and political turbulence has never shaken its foundation. Morocco, a reliable and loyal partner to the EU, now demands that the EU end the political harassment that has occasionally plagued their relations.

As stated by Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, during a press briefing in late November, the Kingdom expects the EU to demonstrate its commitment through actions, not just words. Morocco has consistently called for the EU to work towards preserving and enhancing this strategic relationship, one that is unparalleled in terms of depth and complexity within the EU's southern neighborhood. This partnership, formalized in the "Euro-Moroccan Partnership for Shared Prosperity" launched in June 2019, continues to be a critical framework for cooperation.

The EU, for its part, recognizes the immense importance of this partnership. Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi, emphasized Morocco's role as a stable and serious partner, essential for regional security and prosperity. The EU reaffirmed its commitment to Morocco during the October European Council, reiterating the strategic value of their relationship and the need to preserve and strengthen it.

Since the European Court of Justice annulled the fisheries and agriculture agreements between Morocco and the EU, European leaders have repeatedly reaffirmed their commitment. In a rare joint statement, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU High Representative Josep Borrell pledged to deepen EU-Moroccan relations in all areas.

Morocco and the EU have continued to strengthen their economic ties, with Morocco being the EU's leading economic and trade partner in Africa. Both sides have also sought new avenues for cooperation, particularly in areas like illegal immigration and extremism. High-level exchanges between Moroccan and EU officials have remained constant, with recent meetings such as the one between the Speaker of Morocco's House of Representatives and the President of the European Parliament in early December further solidifying their partnership.

This partnership is not just economic but multidimensional, covering diverse areas like education, research, and innovation. For instance, Morocco and the EU co-chaired a meeting on combating violent extremism through education, as part of the Global Counterterrorism Forum. In research and innovation, Morocco's participation in Horizon Europe, the EU’s research and innovation program, has been robust, with some of the highest participation rates among Mediterranean countries.

Additionally, the EU continues to support Morocco's higher education and research ecosystem, most recently through a significant program aimed at enhancing Moroccan universities' global standing. Morocco and the EU have also launched programs to improve judicial access and promote efficiency within Morocco's judicial system, further cementing their comprehensive partnership.

The cultural dimension of this relationship is also growing. A unique partnership supporting Morocco’s creative industries was launched in 2023, reflecting the broader scope of cooperation between the two entities.

In sum, the Morocco-EU partnership has evolved into a multifaceted and enduring cooperation that remains as vital as ever in the current geopolitical landscape. With the new European Commission under Ursula von der Leyen beginning its second mandate in December 2024, this relationship is poised for further development and growth.