a Renewed Vision for Eu-morocco Relations

stefano sannino, the director general of the middle east, north africa adn the gulf (dg mena) of the european commission, conducted an official visit to morocco from may 12 to 14, 2025. the primary objective of this mission was twofold: to engage morocco in consultations regarding the forthcoming pact for the mediterranean and to strengthen the bilateral dialog between the eu and morocco.

during his visit, mr. sannino engaged with key institutional managers and non-governmental actors across various sectors crucial to the euro-moroccan partnership.these sectors included the private sector,higher education,civil society,and cultural and creative industries (icc).

key Meetings and Discussions

• plenary Meeting: mr. sannino participated in a plenary meeting organized by the ministry of foreign affairs, african cooperation and moroccans residing abroad on tuesday, may 13.
• digital Transition: he also met with mrs.amal el fallah seghrouchni, minister delegate to the head of government, responsible for the digital transition and the reform of the management.

the discussions centered on deepening the eu-morocco partnership and exploring the new pact for the mediterranean. this pact aims to revitalize relations between the european union and the southern mediterranean countries by addressing common issues with a long-term perspective.

the pact is envisioned as a joint initiative designed to foster convergence and dialogue, creating a tangible impact on societies on both sides of the mediterranean. as a key and long-standing partner in the european union, morocco is led to play a leading role in reflection around this new strategic framework.

consultations and Regional Engagement

consultations regarding the pact included exchanges with non-institutional actors, notably during the first regional meeting organized by the european mediterranean institute (iemed) in partnership with the policy center for the new south on tuesday, may 13, in rabat.

mr. sannino, accompanied by a european delegation, also engaged with stakeholders from the cultural and creative industries (icc) sector on monday, may 12. this sector is considered an engine of economic growth and a lever for job creation, carrying new opportunities for young moroccan talents. he also met with european private sector representatives in morocco and members of civil society.

visit to the Euro-Mediterranean University of fez

on wednesday,may 14,mr. sannino visited the euro-mediterranean university of fez (uemf) to discuss interuniversity cooperation with the university’s management and students. the visit also included a tour of the medina, its heritage, and the al-qarawiyyine university.

the focus on interuniversity cooperation underscores the importance of educational exchanges in strengthening ties between the two regions. the visit to fez, a city rich in history and culture, highlighted the deep-rooted connections between europe and morocco.

the New Pact for the Mediterranean: a Closer look

the new pact for the mediterranean is designed to energize relations between the european union and the countries of the southern mediterranean around common issues, in a long -term vision. it aims to be a collaborative effort, fostering a space for dialogue and convergence that will have a concrete and tangible impact on societies on both sides of the mediterranean.

the initiative seeks to address shared challenges and opportunities, promoting lasting growth, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange. by involving both institutional and non-institutional actors, the pact aims to create a more inclusive and effective framework for regional cooperation.

faq: eu-Morocco Relations and the New pact

what is the main goal of the new pact for the mediterranean?

to revitalize relations between the eu and southern mediterranean countries by addressing common issues with a long-term vision.

who is stefano sannino?

the director general of the middle east, north africa and the gulf (dg mena) of the european commission.

why is morocco considered a key partner?

because of its long-standing relationship with the eu and its strategic location.

what sectors are being focused on in the eu-morocco partnership?

private sector, higher education, civil society, and cultural and creative industries (icc).