Morocco is a strategic partner for Spain and the European Union. Its geographical location, the first land border of the Twenty-Seven and NATO, and years of diplomatic efforts have led to successful relations of understanding with the Alaouite kingdom, despite the EU's recognition of human rights violations in the country.
Those of Mohammed VI have woven networks of trade agreements with the European Union, but above all, it is migration that makes understanding essential between Europe and the North African country. Morocco holds the key to migratory phenomena, and joint work with the country's authorities is a priority. If in May 2025 Mohammed VI allowed the massive crossing of people through the Tarajal border in Ceuta, a few months ago, Morocco boasted of preventing thousands of people from completing a mass migration towards the autonomous city. Human rights activists shared photos showing migrants naked and showing signs of torture in front of auxiliary forces vehicles.
In this diplomatic effort, Morocco has managed to persuade European countries to buy into its autonomy solution for Western Sahara. Spain embraced this option as the most realistic in the signing of the new 19-point roadmap to resume diplomatic relations, which had been severed since 2018. France and all 27 countries have also joined the plan. The United States, which made it a condition for Morocco to recognize Israel as a state, has also endorsed it. The Trump administration is one of the main arms suppliers for Morocco's rearmament plan.
On January 29, the 15th meeting of the Association Council between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco was held in Brussels. The meeting was co-chaired by the EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, and the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, who led the country's delegation. The European Commission was represented by the Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka uica.
The meeting "provided an opportunity to exchange views on political, economic, and trade issues, democracy and human rights, as well as cooperation, particularly in migration, ecological transition, innovation, inclusive and sustainable socioeconomic development, interpersonal contacts, and security," stated the text that emerged from the meeting, without any reproach for the country's lack of freedoms. This silence has persisted despite the arrests of journalists and activists.