EU-documenten
EU-Morocco 2013-2017 Action Plan, European Neighbourhood Policy
The EU launched its European Neighbourhood Policy in 2004 in a document titled "Wider Europe - Neighbourhood". The Policy created a framework for the EU's relations with 16 of the EU's Eastern and Southern Neighbours - including Morocco - in order to achieve the closest possible political association and the greatest possible degree of economic integration.
The ENP was reviewed in 2011, following the Arab uprisings, and again in November 2015. While the policy generally aims to foster stabilisation, security and prosperity, the specifics of the EU's efforts depend largely on the bilateral relationship with the country concerned.
There are 16 countries defined as part of the ENP. Of these, 12, including Morocco, have agreed on bilateral Action Plans or Association Agendas with the EU. These set out a series of political and economic reforms with short and medium-term priorities of 3 to 5 years. ENP Action Plans/Association Agendas reflect the needs, capacities an interests of the country and the EU.
In the case of Morocco, the country has benefited from an "advanced status" with the EU since 2008.
The most recent EU-Morocco Action Plan was adopted in December 2013 and covers the 2013-2017 period. The plan foresees various efforts to implement the advanced status.
Section 4.1 of the Plan describes a "strengthening of the EU-Morocco Joint Parliamentary Committee" and envisages cooperation between the European Parliament and the Moroccan parliament to reinforce the bilateral partnership.
The ENP was reviewed in 2011, following the Arab uprisings, and again in November 2015. While the policy generally aims to foster stabilisation, security and prosperity, the specifics of the EU's efforts depend largely on the bilateral relationship with the country concerned.
There are 16 countries defined as part of the ENP. Of these, 12, including Morocco, have agreed on bilateral Action Plans or Association Agendas with the EU. These set out a series of political and economic reforms with short and medium-term priorities of 3 to 5 years. ENP Action Plans/Association Agendas reflect the needs, capacities an interests of the country and the EU.
In the case of Morocco, the country has benefited from an "advanced status" with the EU since 2008.
The most recent EU-Morocco Action Plan was adopted in December 2013 and covers the 2013-2017 period. The plan foresees various efforts to implement the advanced status.
Section 4.1 of the Plan describes a "strengthening of the EU-Morocco Joint Parliamentary Committee" and envisages cooperation between the European Parliament and the Moroccan parliament to reinforce the bilateral partnership.
EU-Morocco Association Agreement
The "Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Kingdom of Morocco, of the other part" was signed in Brussels on 26 February 1996 and entered into force on 1 March 2000.
This Agreement forms part of the Barcelona Process (Euro-Mediterranean partnership). Like all the Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreements, this agreement contains:
Article 85 of the Agreement states that the EU-Morocco Association Council, composed of the members of the Council of the EU, of the Commission of the European Communities, and of the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco, "shall take all appropriate measures to facilitate cooperation and contacts between the European Parliament and the parliamentary institutions of the Kingdom of Morocco".
A Joint Declaration relating to Article 5, which concerns political dialogue, further states that "The Parties consider that political dialogue should be established between the European Parliament and the Moroccan parliamentary institutions."
This Agreement forms part of the Barcelona Process (Euro-Mediterranean partnership). Like all the Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreements, this agreement contains:
- a human rights clause, recognised as an essential element of the Agreement; provisions on political dialogue;
- provisions relating to the free movement of goods, services and capital;
- cooperation on economic, social, cultural and financial questions.
Article 85 of the Agreement states that the EU-Morocco Association Council, composed of the members of the Council of the EU, of the Commission of the European Communities, and of the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco, "shall take all appropriate measures to facilitate cooperation and contacts between the European Parliament and the parliamentary institutions of the Kingdom of Morocco".
A Joint Declaration relating to Article 5, which concerns political dialogue, further states that "The Parties consider that political dialogue should be established between the European Parliament and the Moroccan parliamentary institutions."