Austrian Magazine “Cercle Diplomatique”: Morocco as a Dynamic Bridge Between Europe and Africa

In its editorial, dedicated to Morocco and Germany, the magazine underlines the Kingdom’s unique role as “a dynamic gateway between Europe and Africa,” pointing to massive investments in education, infrastructure, and sustainable development. It adds that Morocco “offers new perspectives for intercontinental dialogue,” particularly as co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.

In its main feature, Cercle Diplomatique describes Morocco as “a country on the move,” stressing its reliability as a partner for the European Union, its wealth of economic opportunities, and its exceptional assets. Published in both German and English, the magazine recalls that the hosting of the 2030 World Cup illustrates “the stability and strength of the Kingdom,” underlining the far-reaching reforms driven by King Mohammed VI, especially in education, infrastructure, and new technologies.

Highlighting Morocco’s youthful society and its focus on training and employment, the publication places particular emphasis on the country’s energy transition. It notes that Morocco aims to generate 52% of its energy mix from renewable sources by 2030, thanks to major investments in solar, wind, and green hydrogen.

On the economic front, the magazine commends Morocco’s advances in the automotive industry, recalling that the Kingdom has become “Africa’s leading car manufacturer, with an annual production capacity of one million vehicles,” while also developing a promising sector for electric vehicle batteries and components, supported by its substantial cobalt reserves.

Regarding Morocco–Austria relations, Cercle Diplomatique notes that Austria is Morocco’s 10th trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching nearly €600 million in 2024. Austrian exports to Morocco rose by 16% that year, amounting to €238 million.

The year 2023 marked a turning point in Rabat–Vienna ties, which date back to 1783, with the official visit of former Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer to Morocco. The magazine also cites subsequent high-level visits, including those of Wolfgang Sobotka, former President of the National Council, and Elisabeth Lovrek, President of the Austrian Supreme Court, which opened new chapters in parliamentary and judicial cooperation between the two countries.

The publication further stresses that Austria supports “the reforms underway in Morocco under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, particularly in governance, women’s empowerment, regionalization, and autonomy in the Sahara region under Moroccan sovereignty.”

Driven by a shared commitment to peace, multilateralism, and the rule of law, the partnership between the two countries “has entered a new phase in recent years, based on mutual respect, strategic convergence, and growing trust,” the magazine notes. The edition is illustrated with striking photographs showcasing Morocco’s development achievements and breathtaking landscapes.

On Euro-Moroccan relations, Cercle Diplomatique emphasizes that the partnership is “one of the most advanced and structured” the EU maintains with a southern neighborhood country, citing the 2019 Joint Declaration on the “Partnership for Shared Prosperity,” built around four pillars: convergence of values, economic and social development, mobility, and political and security dialogue.

The review also highlights the 2022 signing of the EU’s first-ever “Green Partnership” with a third country, describing it as a “historic milestone in energy and climate cooperation.”

A large section is also dedicated to Morocco’s tourism potential. The country welcomed 5.7 million visitors in the first four months of 2025, a 23% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Described as “one of the world’s most dynamic destinations,” Morocco offers diverse attractions, from imperial cities and Atlas mountains to the Sahara Desert and endless Atlantic beaches.

“Morocco is not only a reliable neighbor but a strategic player and a bridge between Europe and Africa, contributing positively to regional stability,” Cercle Diplomatique concludes. The issue also features an interview with Morocco’s Ambassador to Austria, Azzeddine Farhane, focusing on bilateral relations, Morocco’s economic and tourism appeal, and the Kingdom’s longstanding commitment to dialogue and international cooperation.

Editorial team/le7tv