Dubravka Šuica, European Commissioner for the Mediterranean: Morocco is a Privileged Partner of the EU

Speaking after talks with Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, held ahead of the “High-Level Retreat on the Future of Euro-Mediterranean Relations,” Šuica stressed that the Kingdom represents a “model” in the region.

The meeting was an opportunity to highlight Morocco’s historic and structuring role as a key actor in the Mediterranean space. At a joint press conference with Bourita, the Commissioner underlined that the relationship between the two sides is “special” and must be deepened across various fields. She welcomed Morocco’s “highly advanced partnership” with the European Union, particularly in migration management, counterterrorism, and the fight against organized crime.

Šuica also praised Morocco’s “remarkable” efforts in decarbonization and the green transition. “We commend Morocco’s leading role in strengthening Euro-Mediterranean cooperation,” she said, describing the Kingdom as a key “strategic partner” for the European Union.

“Our partnership with Morocco, a vital bridge for cooperation with Africa, is unique and highly multidimensional,” she emphasized, noting that this ambitious bilateral cooperation paves the way for a deeper Euro-Mediterranean partnership in the future, tailored to the mutual needs of Europe and the MENA region.

The Commissioner further explained that since the beginning of her mandate, the EU has been working on “a new pact for the Mediterranean,” developed through a participatory approach with the 27 EU member states and southern Mediterranean partners.

This new framework will be officially launched in November, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Declaration and the creation of the Barcelona Process.

“Our ambition is very clear. We want to lay the foundations for a shared space of prosperity, peace, stability and security,” Šuica said during her address at the High-Level Retreat.

She added that this new pact was preceded by broad consultations with all stakeholders, and that the retreat hosted by Morocco is expected to make a substantial contribution to the process.

According to the European Commissioner, the pact is conceived as an evolving framework and a strong lever for stability and growth, built on three main pillars: placing people at the center of action, unlocking the full potential of regional economies, and strengthening cooperation in security, resilience, and migration.

Editorial team/le7tv