Morocco has strengthened its legal partnership with the European Union (EU) and the Council of Europe, building on reforms initiated by King Mohammed VI. The reforms are intended to uphold the rule of law and protect fundamental rights and freedoms, Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi announced Monday in Rabat.
In a statement delivered by Rachid Wadifi, Director of Civil Affairs and Legal and Judicial Professions, Ouahbi asserted that the purpose of the partnership is to achieve a transparent and efficient justice system that supports social and economic stability, attracts investment, and establishes Morocco as a global business destination.
“Morocco has prioritized this strategic relationship with the EU and the Council of Europe,” Ouahbi said, while the partnership has led to tangible programs and projects that improve legal infrastructure and training.
The agenda seeks to address both regional and international shifts and to reaffirm Morocco’s leadership in justice and human rights.
Through various initiatives, the Justice Ministry looks to build a modern state founded on principles of justice and fairness. The partnership’s framework includes plans to upgrade the legal infrastructure, expand digital services, and strengthen international cooperation in justice.
The tripartite “MA-JUST” program exemplifies the shared political will to push forward with comprehensive reforms across all segments of Morocco’s justice system, according to Ouahbi.
Beyond enhancing legal efficiency, the program is intended to promote good governance principles, accountability, equality before the law, and greater citizen confidence in the judicial system, Ouahbi continued.
Funded jointly by the EU and the Council of Europe, and implemented by the Council of Europe, the “MA-JUST” project looks to advance judicial efficiency and quality.
The project incorporates tools and standards from the Council of Europe, methods developed by the European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ), and best practices from across Europe to streamline court operations and improve the judicial process.
Over a two-day meeting this week, officials are presenting CEPEJ’s tools, methodology, and developed resources designed to improve judicial access and efficiency.
The conference will also cover key implementation steps for the MA-JUST project in Moroccan courts and consider potential strategies with partners for deploying these tools nationwide in the coming years.
The meeting agenda includes sessions and roundtable discussions on critical areas such as judicial quality, time management, data collection, and management, as well as the integration of cyberjustice and artificial intelligence in court processes.
Officials are also addressing current challenges facing Morocco’s judicial system, giving particular focus to citizen trust in the judiciary, equitable access to justice, digital transformation, and ongoing reform efforts.