Morocco A link between Europe and Africa
King Mohammed VI responded with steps to modernise the state. In July 2011, for example, a new constitution was adopted containing for the first time ever a list of fundamental rights and emphasising the country's pluralist identity.
Despite the reforms carried out in recent years, the King's key position has essentially remained unchanged.
The social challenges facing the country include, in particular, the high level of unemployment and the lack of job opportunities for its young population.
Relations between Morocco and Germany
Morocco is a key partner for Germany in the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region. In their 2013 Rabat Declaration, the foreign ministers of the two countries agreed to engage in continuous cooperation and to deepen their dialogue on democratic development, the rule of law, civil society and human rights.
The focus of German-Moroccan development cooperation is on sustainable economic development and employment, renewable energies and water.
Morocco is part of the G20 Compact with Africa initiative to improve the enabling environment for private investment. Under the initiative German Development Minister Gerd Müller and the Moroccan Finance Minister Mohamed Benchaâboun agreed at the end of November 2019 to start a German-Moroccan reform partnership.
The night market on the square Djemaa el-Fna in Marrakesh, Morocco
German development cooperation with Morocco
At the government negotiations in October 2018, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) made a new commitment of 151.7 million euros for Morocco. Of this sum, 49.1 million euros is for Technical Cooperation and 102.6 million euros is for Financial cooperation. For the most part this funding is provided in the form of loans at near-market conditions.
The following were agreed as priority areas of cooperation:
- Sustainable economic development and employment
- Renewable energy
- Water
In addition, the BMZ is promoting good governance in Morocco, for example with regard to migration and decentralisation (see below).
Sale of mussel soup - food stall on the square Djemaa el-Fna in Marrakech, Morocco