On April 16, 2026, Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, held a joint press conference in Rabat with Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.
During the meeting, Kallas stated that the EU views the Moroccan autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty as the most feasible solution to the Sahara conflict, a position adopted unanimously by the 27 EU member states and presented as reflecting a common European stance.
The joint communiqué issued after the talks called on all parties to engage in negotiations without preconditions, based on the autonomy initiative proposed by Morocco, aiming to reach a definitive political solution to the dispute.
Kallas expressed satisfaction with Morocco’s willingness to clarify the modalities of an autonomy exercise within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty and welcomed the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2797 (2025), which supports the efforts of UN Secretary-General António Guterres and his Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura to facilitate negotiations in reference to the Moroccan autonomy plan.
She noted that this common EU position builds on years of individual support from several European countries for the Moroccan initiative and strengthens the international dynamic in favor of a settlement based on autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.
Beyond the Sahara file, Kallas emphasized that Morocco is a close, reliable and strategic partner for the European Union, which in turn is the Kingdom’s first trading partner, with bilateral trade having increased fivefold compared to pre-2000 levels.
She announced that the partnership will be enriched with new programs focused on skills, entrepreneurship and improving the business environment, including a recently launched digital dialogue on artificial intelligence, infrastructure and innovation.
Kallas highlighted that the EU is investing in a shared future by deepening exchanges between diplomatic academies, enabling the next generation to learn from one another and build lasting ties.
She also recalled Morocco’s essential role in developing Mediterranean cooperation, particularly praising its contribution to the Pact for the Mediterranean and noting the organization by the Kingdom of a high-level meeting in September 2025.
Kallas confirmed that preparations are underway for a security dialogue within the framework of the Regional and Mediterranean Security Forum, to be held later in 2026, which will deepen cooperation on counter-terrorism, maritime security and resilience to hybrid threats, areas where Morocco plays a central regional role.
Regarding the EU-Morocco Association Agreement, she reiterated the commitment to its full implementation and the necessitate to preserve the positive dynamic in bilateral relations while continuing negotiations on a strategic and comprehensive partnership.
The two officials agreed on concrete steps to structure the partnership, including holding a new round of political consultations in Rabat before the end of 2026, launching a security dialogue between the two parties and reactivating all institutional mechanisms under the partnership agreement to ensure continuity and effectiveness in cooperation.
Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to an international order grounded in respect for international law and effective multilateralism.
What specific steps did Morocco and the EU agree on to strengthen their partnership?
They agreed to hold a new round of political consultations in Rabat before the end of 2026, launch a security dialogue and reactivate all institutional mechanisms under the EU-Morocco Partnership Agreement to ensure effective cooperation.
How has EU-Morocco trade evolved according to Kaja Kallas?
Bilateral trade between the EU and Morocco has increased fivefold compared to levels before the year 2000, making the EU Morocco’s first trading partner.