Joint Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION on the Union position within the Association Council set up by the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Kingdom of Morocco, of the other part, with regard to the adoption of a recommendation on the implementation of the EU-Morocco Action Plan implementing the advanced status (2013-2017)
Date: 2013-04-17
Institutions: European Commission, High Representative of the Union
Subjects: European neighbourhood policy, Morocco, Union for the Mediterranean

EUROPEAN 
COMMISSION 

HIGH REPRESENTATIVE OF THE
EUROPEAN UNION FOR
FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND
SECURITY POLICY

Brussels, 17.4.2013  
JOIN(2013) 6 final 

2013/0107 (NLE) 

Joint Proposal for a 

COUNCIL DECISION 

on the Union position  
within the Association Council set up by the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement 
establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member 
States, of the one part, and the Kingdom of Morocco, of the other part, with regard to 
the adoption of a recommendation on the implementation of the EU-Morocco Action 
Plan implementing the advanced status (2013-2017) 

EN 

   EN 

 
 
 
  
 
 
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 

Morocco and the European Union are bound by a Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement 
that  came  into  force  in  March  2000.  On  the  basis  of  that  agreement,  the  EU-Morocco 
European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) Action Plan was approved by both sides in July 2005 
for a period of five years. 

Within this framework, EU-Morocco relations have developed and matured substantially. The 
adoption of the joint document on advanced status in October 20081 gave a further impetus to 
these relations and marked a significant deepening in the areas of political relations, security, 
economics, trade and various sectors, and in people-to-people contacts. 

When  the  current  ENP  Action  Plan  expired  in  July  2010,  it  was  deemed  appropriate  to 
negotiate and conclude a new Action Plan, based on the objectives and ambitions of the joint 
document on advanced status. However, pending the conclusion of the new Action Plan, both 
sides agreed to continue to apply the 2005 Action Plan. 

EU-Morocco relations are set against the background of a region where the overall political 
situation has been in a state of flux since early 2011. 

The  Joint  Communication  to  the  Parliament  and  the  Council  entitled  ‘A  new  response  to  a 
changing  neighbourhood’  outlined  a  new  approach  which  aims  at  a  higher  level  of 
differentiation,  allowing  each  partner  to  develop  its  links  with  the  EU  based  on  its  own 
aspirations,  needs  and  capacities,  but  also  on  mutual  accountability  and  the  degree  of 
commitment to the universal values of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, and the 
capacity  to  implement  jointly  agreed  priorities.  This  new  Action  Plan  clearly  outlines  the 
priority  objectives  of  the  EU-Morocco  special  partnership  while  taking  full  account  of  the 
advanced status and of the comprehensiveness of EU-Morocco relations. 

The  European  External  Action  Service  (EEAS),  in  close  cooperation  with  the  European 
Commission  and  EU  Member  States,  has  held  exploratory  talks  with  Morocco  which  have 
resulted in an agreement on the draft Action Plan, including the list of priority measures to be 
carried  out  under  the  Plan.  At  the  last  EU-Morocco  Association  Council  on  23  April  2012 
both  sides  noted  that  they  were  close  to  an  agreement,  which  was  then  reached  in 
November 2012. The finalisation of technical consultations on each side was notified through 
an exchange of letters on 28 November 2012 (EEAS) and 10 January 2013 (Morocco). 

The new EU-Morocco Action Plan implementing the advanced status (2013-2017) will be an 
essential point of reference that will guide our bilateral relations with Morocco in the coming 
years and thus provide a road map for a deeper association between Morocco and the EU. The 
ENP will continue to act as a catalyst by providing a single policy framework, based inter alia 
tailor-made 
on  partnership, 
assistance. 

joint  ownership,  performance-driven  differentiation  and 

The European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and 
Security Policy ('High Representative') attach hereto the text of a joint proposal for a Council 
Decision  on  the  position  to  be  taken  by  the  European  Union  within  the  EU-Morocco 
Association  Council  on  the  adoption  of  a  recommendation  on  the  implementation  of  the 
Action Plan. 

1 

Adopted by the EU-Morocco Association Council on 13 October 2008. 

EN 

2 

   EN 

                                                 
The  European  Commission  and  the  High  Representative  therefore  request  the  Council  to 
adopt the attached joint proposal for a Council Decision. 

EN 

3 

   EN 

2013/0107 (NLE) 

Joint Proposal for a 

COUNCIL DECISION 

on the Union position  
within the Association Council set up by the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement 
establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member 
States, of the one part, and the Kingdom of Morocco, of the other part, with regard to 
the adoption of a recommendation on the implementation of the EU-Morocco Action 
Plan implementing the advanced status (2013-2017) 

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 

Having regard to Council and Commission Decision 2000/204/EC, ECSC of 24 January 2000 
on the conclusion of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between 
the  European  Communities  and  their  Member  States,  of  the  one  part,  and  the  Kingdom  of 
Morocco, of the other part, and in particular Article 2 (1) thereof,  

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, in particular Article 29 thereof, 

Having  regard  to  the  joint  proposal  of  the  High  Representative  of  the  Union  for  Foreign 
Affairs and Security Policy and of the European Commission, 

Whereas: 

(1) 

(2) 

The Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European 
Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Kingdom of Morocco, 
of  the  other  part  was  signed  on  26  February  1996  and  entered  into  force  on 
1 March 2000. 

The Parties intend to approve the new EU-Morocco European Neighbourhood Policy 
(ENP) Action Plan implementing the advanced status (2013-2017), which reflects the 
EU-Morocco  special  partnership  and  will  contribute  to  the  implementation  of  the 
Euro-Mediterranean  Agreement  through  the  formulation  and  adoption  of  specific 
measures leading to the attainment of its objectives, 

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: 

Article 1 

The  Union  position  within  the  Association  Council  set  up  by  the  Euro-Mediterranean 
Agreement  establishing  an  association  between  the  European  Communities  and  their 
Member States,  of  the  one  part,  and  the  Kingdom  of  Morocco,  of  the  other  part,  on  the 
implementation  of  the  EU-Morocco  ENP  Action  Plan  implementing  the  advanced  status 

EN 

4 

   EN 

 
(2013-2017) shall be based on the draft recommendation of the Association Council attached 
to this Decision. 

Article 2 

This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption. 

Done at Brussels,  

For the Council 
The President 

EN 

5 

   EN 

 
 
Draft 

RECOMMENDATION 

on the implementation of the EU-Morocco ENP Action Plan implementing the advanced 
status (2013-2017) 

The EU-Morocco Association Council, 

Having regard to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the 
European  Communities  and  their  Member  States,  of  the  one  part,  and  the  Kingdom  of 
Morocco, of the other part, and in particular Article 80 thereof, 

Whereas: 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

Article  80  of  the  Euro-Mediterranean  Agreement  gives  the  Association  Council  the 
power  to  make  appropriate  recommendations  for  the  purposes  of  attaining  the 
objectives of the Agreement. 

Pursuant to Article 90 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement, the Parties shall take any 
general  or  specific  measures  required  to fulfil  their  obligations  under  the  Agreement 
and shall see to it that the objectives set out in the Agreement are attained. 

The  Parties  to  the  Euro-Mediterranean  Agreement  have  agreed  on  the  text  of  the 
EU-Morocco  European  Neighbourhood  Policy  (ENP)  Action  Plan  implementing  the 
advanced status (2013-2017). 

This EU-Morocco ENP Action Plan will support the implementation of the Agreement 
through  the  formulation  and  adoption,  by  agreement  between  the  Parties,  of  specific 
measures which will provide practical guidance for such implementation. 

The  Action  Plan  serves  the  dual  purpose  of  setting  out  specific  measures  for  the 
fulfilment  of  the  Parties’  obligations  set  out  in  the  Euro-Mediterranean  Agreement, 
and  of  providing  a  broader  framework  for  a  further  strengthening  EU-Morocco 
relations to achieve a significant measure of economic integration and a deepening of 
political  cooperation,  in  accordance  with  the  overall  objectives  of  the  Euro-
Mediterranean Agreement, 

(6) 

HAS ADOPTED THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATION: 

Sole Article 

The  Association  Council  recommends  that  the  Parties  implement  the  EU-Morocco  ENP 
Action Plan implementing the advanced status (2013-2017) annexed hereto, in so far as such 
implementation  is  directed  towards  attainment  of  the  objectives  of  the  Euro-Mediterranean 
Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member 
States, of the one part, and the Kingdom of Morocco, of the other part. 

Done at [...] 

EN 

6 

   EN 

  
For the Association Council 

The President 

EN 

7 

   EN 

ANNEX 

EUROPEAN NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICY 

DRAFT MOROCCO ACTION PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 
ADVANCED STATUS (2013-2017) 

I. 

INTRODUCTION 

The  European  neighbourhood  policy  (ENP)  sets  ambitious  goals  based  on  shared 
responsibility and the acceptance of mutually recognised common values such as democracy, 
the  rule  of  law,  good  governance,  respect  for  human  rights,  market  economics,  free  trade, 
sustainable  development,  poverty  reduction  and  the  implementation  of  political,  economic 
and institutional reforms. The establishment of an area of peace and stability, including crisis 
management and the prevention and resolution of conflicts in the region, also form part of the 
ENP.  Morocco  shares  these  values  and  principles,  which  underlie  the  formulation  of  its 
national and international policies.  

The  EU-Morocco  partnership,  which  started  with  the  1969  Trade  Agreement,  reached  a 
turning-point with the Association Agreement signed in 1996, then with the ENP. They have 
helped  to  strengthen  political,  economic  and  trade  ties  and  resulted  in  the  sustained 
development  of  human  and  cultural  exchanges.  On  the  basis  of  the  Association  Agreement, 
relations  between  Morocco  and  the  EU  have  gradually  and  steadily  grown  into  a  genuine 
EU-Morocco partnership, making Morocco one of the EU’s leading partners.  

the 

joint  document  on 

in  October  2008  of 

The  adoption 
reinforcing  bilateral 
relations/advanced status marked the start of a new phase in bilateral relations. This document 
strengthens the key partnership between the EU and Morocco by setting ambitious new goals 
for deeper political, economic and human relations. The EU-Morocco summit in Granada in 
March  2010  confirmed  these  goals  by  underlining  the  special  nature  of  the  EU-Morocco 
partnership. Today, on the basis of the very advanced status of their relations, the two sides 
are seeking to further strengthen this exemplary and mutually beneficial partnership in order 
to  confront  shared  political,  economic  and  social  challenges  together  and  in  a  spirit  of 
solidarity. 

Progress  towards  good  governance  and  political  and  socioeconomic  reforms  are  common 
principles  for  implementing  the  advanced  status.  The  partnership  requires  a  stronger 
commitment  to  the  introduction  of  the  major  reforms  instigated  by  Morocco  and  to  their 
extension both in the political sphere, principally in the areas of democracy, human rights and 
the rule of law, and in the economic and social spheres, in particular with a view to tangible 
progress on human development. The level of EU support will be adapted to Morocco's goals 
and  progress  on  the  reforms  it  has  embarked  on,  and  to  the  country’s  needs  and  capacities. 
The  EU  and  Morocco  will  continue  to  work  towards  that  end,  which  is  in  keeping  with 
Morocco’s new Constitution adopted on 1 July 2011 and with the new EU strategy developed 
in  the  context  of  the  partnership  for  democracy  and  shared  prosperity  with  the  southern 
Mediterranean. 

EN 

8 

   EN 

 
 
The EU recognises that, for Morocco, rapprochement with the EU represents a fundamental 
foreign policy choice. Its aim is to move as close as possible to the EU in order to underpin 
and support its drive towards political modernisation, an open economy and social cohesion. 
Morocco also sees this goal as the best way of promoting its alignment and coordination with 
the EU on strategic issues of common interest. Both sides consider that the benefits of such a 
process will be magnified by regional integration in the Maghreb and reiterate their desire to 
work together to give this movement fresh impetus. Moreover, in accordance with Article 8 of 
the EU Treaty and with Morocco’s hopes of reaching a new agreement governing reciprocal 
relations, the two sides agree to further reflection on the possible nature and form of such an 
agreement.  

The  EU-Morocco  ENP  Action  Plan  has  made  for  a  more  targeted  implementation  of  the 
instruments provided for in the Association Agreement and supported Morocco's objective of 
bringing its economic and social structures more into line with those of the Union.  

The  new  Action  Plan  for  implementing  the  advanced  status  represents  a  key  step  in  the 
ongoing  process  of  strengthening  relations  between  Morocco  and  the  EU  in  which  all  the 
tools, mechanisms and instruments of the advanced status will be brought into action. 

This instrument will encourage the development and implementation of policies and measures 
to  promote  the  consolidation  of  the  rule  of  law,  democracy  and  human  rights,  economic 
growth,  employment  and  social  cohesion,  poverty  reduction  and  protection  of  the 
environment, 
to  sustainable  development. 
Implementation  of  the  new  instrument  will  take  account  of  the  necessary  balance  between 
speeding  up  the  process  of  opening  and  modernising  the  Moroccan  economy  and  the 
imperative of sustainable socioeconomic development. 

thereby  contributing 

term 

long 

the 

in 

Both  sides  will  in  addition  continue  implementation  of  economic  integration  by  opening 
negotiations  on  a  deep  and  comprehensive  free  trade  agreement.  These  negotiations  will 
further  the  sectoral  negotiations  that  have  already  been  completed  or  those  that  are  still  in 
progress,  particularly  on  liberalising  trade  in  services  and  establishment,  and  will  examine 
ways of improving on a reciprocal basis the preferential concessions adopted under the free 
trade  agreement  on  agricultural  products,  processed  agricultural  products  and  fishery 
products, in the light of the specific circumstances of each party. 

The new instrument is an amalgam of the former Action Plan and the joint document on the 
advanced status. It includes the reforms agreed and the measures provided for in the Action 
Plan that have yet to be implemented, and the new features contained in the joint document. 
Also, in line with Morocco’s reform programme, the new instrument reflects the principles of 
differentiation and ownership. By requiring the Moroccan government to introduce a strategy 
of regulatory alignment based on an evaluation of the existing differences, the establishment 
of  priorities  for  convergence  and  an  implementation  timetable,  the  new  document  puts  the 
advanced status roadmap on an operational footing. This strategy will be underpinned by the 
EU’s support programmes. 

The  instrument  provides,  amongst  other  things,  for  a  gradual,  phased  process  for  bringing 
Moroccan  legislation  into  line  with  the  Community  acquis  with  a  view  to  the  Moroccan 
economy's gradual integration into the EU internal market and promotion of trade, investment 
and  growth.  Both  parties  accordingly  undertake  to  begin  a  systematic  analysis  of  the 
differences  between  Moroccan  legislation  and  the  European  acquis  based  on  the  references 
indicated  in  the  Action  Plan.  An  evaluation  of  the  priorities  and  means  required  to  ensure 

EN 

9 

   EN 

convergence will be carried out for each sector in the Action Plan. Regulatory approximation 
may consist of (i) the gradual full adoption of the acquis in certain sectors in the short or long 
term, (ii) the transposal of part of the acquis, or (iii) the adoption of the main principles of the 
acquis or of best practices in a given field. At the end of the first two years of the Action Plan, 
the  Moroccan  government  will  adopt  a  national programme  of  regulatory  convergence  with 
the  EU  designed  to  establish  the  priorities,  the  scope  and  the  pace  of  such  a  process,  as 
requested in the King’s speech from the throne in 2010. 

The  new  Action  Plan  will  provide  a  framework  for  programming,  implementing  and 
monitoring EU aid, taking account of the needs expressed and intermediate results achieved. 
Resources  will  be  made  available  by  Morocco  and  the  EU  for  the  implementation  of  the 
priorities agreed. In the EU’s case, the aid will mainly be provided through national indicative 
programmes  agreed  with  Morocco,  which  will  set  out  the  aid  priorities  and  the  indicative 
financial package. This aid will be delivered in strict compliance with the relevant rules and 
procedures for the implementation of EU external aid. 

A variety of instruments may be used to implement the EU’s aid to Morocco, including those 
resulting  from  the  discussions  on  the  new  strategy  for  ENP  countries.  These  include 
exchanges  of  advice,  technical  assistance,  best  practice  and  know-how,  support  for 
capacity-and  institution-building,  support  for  sectoral  reform,  support  for  promoting 
integration  and  social  and  economic  cohesion  and  lessening  the  development  gap  between 
regions, and support to civil society. 

Loans from European financial institutions will also play a key role in the implementation of 
the  new  Action  Plan.  The  Neighbourhood  Investment  Facility  and  the  Facility  for 
Euro-Mediterranean  Investment  and  Partnership  (FEMIP),  financed  by  the  EU,  should 
provide  substantial  leverage  in  the  implementation  of  loans  for  the  construction  of 
infrastructure,  development  and  partnership  with  the  private  sector.  This  will  enable,  inter 
alia, the full mobilisation of the European Investment Bank funds guaranteed under FEMIP. 

The  parties  have  also  agreed  to  examine  together  how  best  to  use  the  new  instruments  for 
implementing  financial  cooperation,  for  instance  those  introduced  in  the  light  of  the  new 
strategy for ENP countries, and how to access adequate means of funding to support Morocco 
as it embarks on these reforms and its rapprochement with the EU. This is done with the aim 
of improving efficiency and enhancing the degree of integration that Morocco and the EU can 
achieve.  

The implementation of the Action Plan covers a period of five years (2013-2017). Particular 
attention will be paid to the priority measures identified in the table which forms an integral 
part of the Action Plan (see Annex III). During implementation, the two parties may adjust the 
Plan  to  new  priorities  of  the  Moroccan  government  and/or  of  the  EU  without  the  need  to 
adopt a new one.  

the  availability  of  adequate  means.  The  Association  Committee  and 

The introduction of reforms in several key sectors will require the setting of clear targets to be 
set  and 
the 
subcommittees set up under the Association Agreement will ensure regular monitoring of the 
implementation of the Action Plan, particularly in terms of the progress achieved and support 
provided.  Either  party  may  also  prepare  progress  reports.  Civil  society  should  contribute 
actively to monitoring. 

EN 

10 

   EN 

The Action Plan forms part of the process of implementing the advanced status and marks an 
important step in developing relations between the two parties into a special partnership. 

The ad hoc Advanced Status Group will continue its deliberations on this basis with a view to 
formulating  new  perspectives  for  the  new  partnership  and  identifying  its  scope,  instruments 
and purpose. 

EN 

11 

   EN 

II. 

ACTION PLAN 

A. 

TOWARDS AN AREA OF SHARED VALUES 

1. 

POLITICAL AND POLICY DIALOGUE 

1.1 

Cooperation on foreign and security policy 

Step  up  dialogue  and  cooperation  on  foreign  and  security  policy  with  a  view  to  ensuring 
regular  consultations  on  international  issues,  consideration  of  the  interests  of  both  parties 
and increased security and stability, in particular in the Maghreb.  

Develop bilateral political dialogue, in particular through: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

the organisation of Morocco-EU summits on an ad hoc basis; 

the  organisation  of  meetings  between  Morocco’s  Foreign  Minister  and  the  High 
Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President 
of the Commission (HR-VP) on an ad hoc basis; 

the  organisation  of  informal,  ad  hoc  meetings  between  Morocco's  Foreign  Minister 
and European counterparts;  

the participation on an ad hoc basis of Morocco’s line department ministers and their 
European counterparts at meetings taking place alongside the regular meetings of the 
EU Council of Ministers;  

the organisation of ad hoc meetings between senior Moroccan officials and members 
of  committees  and  groups  of  the  EU  Council,  e.g.  the  Political  and  Security 
Committee  (PSC),  the  Maghreb/Mashreq  Group  (MAMA),  the  Africa  Group 
(COAFR),  the  Working  Party  on  Terrorism  (COTER)  and  the  Working  Group  on 
Human Rights (COHOM); 

Moroccan  support  on  a  case-by-case  basis  for  statements  and  decisions  of  the  EU 
Council  in  the  context  of  the  common  foreign  and  security  policy  (CFSP),  in 
accordance with procedures laid down by the EU. 

Greater consultation in multilateral forums 

• 

• 

Organise  meetings  in  New  York  between  Morocco’s  Foreign  Minister  and  the 
HR-VP to ensure better coordination of both partners’ positions. 

Take  joint  initiatives  in  the  United  Nations  Human  Rights  Council,  the  Third 
Committee of the UN General Assembly and in other international organisations on 
the basis of priorities established and agreed by both parties, and draw up a timetable 
of  consultation  meetings  in  Geneva  and  New  York  ahead  of  the  meetings  of  the 
UN’s human rights bodies. 

EN 

12 

   EN 

• 

• 

• 

Establish  informal  consultation  mechanisms  to  improve  the  implementation  of 
multilateral agreements.  

Hold consultation and coordination meetings on initiatives for combating threats to 
international, regional and subregional security.  

Hold consultations between Morocco and the EU on action to tackle climate change. 

Strengthen cooperation on conflict prevention and crisis management 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Strengthen cooperation and dialogue in the framework of the Common Security and 
Defence Policy (CSDP). 

Envisage the conclusion of a framework agreement on information security. 

Conclude 
crisis-management operations (civil and military). 

framework 

a 

agreement  on  Moroccan  participation 

in  EU 

Participate where appropriate in training activities related to conflict prevention and 
crisis  management  organised  by  the  European  Security  and  Defence  College 
(ESDC). 

Explore ways of coordinating post-conflict and reconstruction efforts in the context 
of peace-building operations. 

Develop the partnership for peace and security in Africa with due consideration for 
the interests of both parties.  

Contribute to UN regional conflict resolution efforts. 

Participate  actively  in  the  regional  chemical,  biological,  radiological  and  nuclear 
(CBRN)  centres  of  excellence  initiative  designed  to  build  institutional  capacity  for 
dealing with CBRN threats of criminal, accidental or natural origin (secretariat of the 
West Africa/Atlantic façade regional centre planned in Morocco). 

Extend  cooperation  on  the  non-proliferation  of  weapons  of  mass  destruction  (WMDs)  and 
export controls on arms and dual-use goods  

• 

• 

• 

• 

Contribute to implementation of the Final  Document of the 2010 Non-Proliferation 
Treaty (NPT) Review Conference. 

Engage actively to the process of negotiating the Arms Trade Treaty. 

Organise  seminars  and  exercises  on  implementing  the  principles  of  the  Global 
Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT). 

Strengthen  the  dialogue  on  the  non-proliferation  of  WMDs  and  their  means  of 
delivery  so  that  it  covers  an  examination  of  the  specific  threats  posed  by  such 
weapons to regional security, in particular through: 

EN 

13 

   EN 

– 

– 

– 

– 

implementation  at  national  level  of  existing  international  obligations,  in 
particular UN Security Council resolutions 1540/04 and 1977/2011; 

accession  to  and  national  implementation  of  the  international  instruments 
concerned on the basis of increased cooperation with the relevant international 
organisations, e.g. the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA);  

increased  cooperation  on  preventing  and  combating  illicit  trafficking  in 
substances, equipment and know-how that may be involved in the manufacture 
of WMDs or of their means of delivery; 

promotion  of  the  universalisation  and  implementation  of  The  Hague  Code  of 
the 
Conduct 
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). 

against  Ballistic  Missile  Proliferation 

(HCOC) 

and 

• 

• 

• 

Introduce an effective national system of arms and dual-use goods export controls to 
allow monitoring of the export and transit of arms and goods that may be used in the 
manufacture of WMDs, in particular through: 

– 

– 

the  adoption  of  export  control  legislation  covering  the  end  use  of  arms  and 
dual-use  goods  and  effective  and  appropriate  penalties  for  dealing  with 
non-compliance; 

the development of a partnership between the authorities and private operators 
to  ensure  the  dissemination  of  and  compliance  with  obligations  in  relation  to 
export controls on arms and dual-use goods; 

Enhance  dialogue  on  issues  relating  to  export  controls  on  small  arms  and  light 
weapons,  including  controls  on  transhipment  and  transit,  through  the  organisation, 
for example, of regional training and awareness-raising seminars. 

Cooperate  in  action  to  prevent  and  combat  illicit  trafficking  in  conventional 
weapons, including small arms and light weapons. 

1.2 

Cooperation on civil protection  

• 

• 

• 

Pursue  regional  cooperation  in  the  prevention  of,  preparation  for  and  response  to 
natural and man-made disasters.  

Establish  operational  arrangements  between  Moroccan  bodies  and  European 
Commission  departments  for  cooperation  with  the  Monitoring  and  Information 
Centre  (MIC)  of  the  Community  civil  protection  mechanism  when  the  mechanism 
has been activated.  

Facilitate  the  strengthening  and  diversification  of  cooperation  in  the  area  of  civil 
protection,  including  the  prevention  of  and  preparedness  for  natural  and  man-made 
disasters  and  post-crisis  management,  setting  up  a  natural  disaster  early  warning 
system, and appropriate training and specialisation measures.  

1.3 

Regional cooperation 

Support implementation of regional integration initiatives and projects 

EN 

14 

   EN 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Engage actively in the optimum implementation of the Union for the Mediterranean 
to ensure its development as a global partnership based on solidarity. 

Engage  in  strengthening  the  subregional  coordination  and  cooperation  mechanisms 
in the 5+5 Dialogue and under the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) - EU framework: in 
particular through the development of variable geometry projects in common interest 
areas. 

Promote intra-regional integration, in particular within the AMU, in areas including 
the economy and trade. 

Promote the effective implementation of the Agadir Agreement so as to increase the 
economic integration of the Mediterranean Arab countries.  

Step up bilateral dialogue on the Africa-EU partnership. 

2. 

DEMOCRACY, THE RULE OF LAW AND GOVERNANCE 

The  measures  in  the  following  chapter  cover  respect  for  democratic  principles  and  human 
rights,  and  governance,  particularly  in  the  context  of  the  implementation  of  the  Moroccan 
Constitution adopted on 1 July 2011 

2.1 

Democracy, the rule of law and governance  

Strengthen institutions that guarantee democracy and the rule of law and the separation and 
balance of powers 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Strengthen the roles of the Parliament and Government. 

Strengthen  the  role  of  political  parties  in  the  context  of  a  multi-party  democratic 
system, and improve contacts between political parties and parliamentary groups. 

Increase the contribution and strengthen the key role of the parliamentary opposition 
in the work of parliament and guarantee its rights.  

Consolidate the role of civil society, in particular by stepping up dialogue with civil 
society  actors  and  stakeholders  in  the  preparation  of  draft  laws;  set  up  consultation 
the  preparation, 
their 
bodies  for 
implementation and evaluation of public policies. 

to  encourage 

this  purpose 

involvement 

in 

Increase the participation of citizens in the management of public life, in particular 
by implementing the right of petition and to present legislative proposals. 

Step  up  measures  to  increase  levels  of  electoral  registration  and  participation  in 
elections. 

Strengthen  measures  and  consolidate  the  administrative  bodies  responsible  for 
reinforcing  respect  for  democracy  and  the  rule  of  law,  in  particular  through  the 
establishment a Constitutional Court. 

Continue holding democratic elections in accordance with international standards.  

EN 

15 

   EN 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Continue  implementing  the  law  on  the  independent  and  neutral  observation  of 
elections, in particular through the involvement of the relevant civil society bodies.  

Continue  the  implementation  of  legislative  measures  designed  to  encourage  equal 
access to electoral office and elective functions for women and  men,  and efforts to 
increase the participation of women in politics.  

Encourage  the  implementation  by  Morocco  of  measures  to  allow  Moroccan  citizens 
resident abroad to exercise their right to vote and to be elected. 

Build and strengthen the capacity for action and independence of the National Human 
Rights Council (CNDH) and the Ombudsman’s Office. 

Modernisation of public administration 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Guarantee equal access to public services, equitable national coverage and continuity 
of service, and compliance by public services with standards of quality, transparency, 
accountability and responsibility. Adopt and implement to that end a public service 
charter laying down a body of rules on good governance for the operation of public 
authorities.  

Strengthen  reception,  guidance  and  complaints  handling  structures  in  public 
administrations and devise training programmes for reception staff. 

Modernise the management of human resources in the public service. 

Simplify administrative procedures. 

Provide training on EU policies.  

Promote gender equality in the civil service, in particular access for women to decision-
making positions. 

Cooperate in the evaluation of public policies.  

2.2 

Devolution, decentralisation and regionalisation  

Consolidate the process of administrative and budgetary decentralisation and devolution 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Implement administrative devolution.  

Develop  managerial  and  technical  capacity  and  capacity  in  the  training  and 
management of human resources in local government. 

Implement the law on the finances of local government and local government groups. 

Simplify local taxation and improve taxation yields.  

Build the capacity of local authorities to assess and exploit their full tax potential. 

Foster partnership and cooperation initiatives between Moroccan and European local 
authorities. 

EN 

16 

   EN 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Implement  the  extended  regionalisation  process,  specifically  by  adopting  and 
implementing  the  organic  law  establishing  the  framework  and  procedures  for  the 
functioning of local authorities.  

Build capacity in the authorities supporting and managing the regionalisation project, 
particularly as regards the design of a finance and equalisation model, the appropriate 
administrative  organisation  and  the  development  of  partnership  and  contracting 
capacity. 

Make local services more professional and improve project management.  

Encourage  cooperation  initiatives  between  Moroccan  local  authorities  and  the  EU’s 
Committee of the Regions. 

2.3 

Reform of the justice system  

Reform of the judiciary and strengthening its independence  

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Underpin  the  independence  of  the  judiciary  and  ensure  its  effective  operation,  and 
establish a Supreme Judicial Council.  

Implement  the  necessary  reforms  to  guarantee  the  independence  of  judges, 
particularly as regards their appointment, promotion, retirement and discipline.  

Revise  the  status  of  the  offices  of  judge  and  clerk,  and  the  legal  framework  of  the 
various legal professions. 

Improve universal access to justice and make free access more widely available for 
those without sufficient means where the law so allows.  

Guarantee the right to a fair trial, the principle of the presumption of innocence and 
the right to effective judicial remedy. 

Finalise the new Criminal Code and revise the Code of Criminal Procedure and the 
Civil Procedure Code in line with international standards. 

Set up a National Crime Observatory. 

Develop  alternative  methods  of  dispute  resolution,  e.g.  mediation,  arbitration  and 
conciliation,  and  alternatives  to  imprisonment,  including  a  system  for  monitoring 
defendants. 

Continue  decentralisation  of  the  courts,  revise  the  judicial  map  and  organisation  of 
the judiciary. 

Simplify  and  improve  judicial  procedures,  including  shortening  the  length  of 
procedures  and  trials  so  that  judgments  are  delivered  and  enforced  within  a 
reasonable time limit. 

Improve legal assistance to detainees in accordance with the law. 

EN 

17 

   EN 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Ensure further training for judges and other legal staff in the following areas: human 
rights, international conventions, the rights of defendants, and business law. 

Reinforce  family  courts  within  the  courts  of  first  instance  in  order  to  support 
enforcement of the new family code. 

Build  capacity  among  juvenile  court  judges  and  criminal  investigation  departments 
dealing with juveniles.  

Develop  social  support  capacity  and  infrastructure,  including  social  workers  and 
bodies responsible for monitoring and the rehabilitation of juveniles.  

Ensure  the  application  of  international  standards  on  juvenile  justice,  including  the 
1985  United  Nations  Standard  Minimum  Rules  for  the  Administration  of  Juvenile 
Justice (‘the Beijing Rules’) and the 1990 Guidelines for the Prevention of Juvenile 
Delinquency (‘the Riyadh Guidelines’).  

Improving detention conditions  

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Guarantee full respect of the rights of detainees throughout their detention. 

institutional  strengthening  of 

Ensure 
for  Prison 
Administration and Reintegration, with particular reference to training, safeguarding 
prisoners’ rights (improving prison conditions), preventing prison overcrowding and 
prisoner rehabilitation.  

the  General  Delegation 

Guarantee  the  physical  and  moral  integrity  of  the  individual  and  step  up  the  fight 
against  impunity  in  cases  of  abuse,  including  in  the  context  of  obligations  arising 
under  the  International  Convention  against  Torture  and  other  Cruel,  Inhuman  or 
Degrading Treatment or Punishment.  

Train managers and guards by developing their expertise in the areas of teaching and 
security, and in relation to human rights. 

Construct new teaching centres in prisons. 

Cooperate on improvements in prisoner rehabilitation. 

Improve  prison  conditions  through  a  programme  of  prison  construction  and 
renovation to reduce overcrowding. 

Implement decentralisation by setting up nine regional directorates for decentralised, 
local prison management. 

2.4 

Promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms  

Uphold,  promote  and  protect  human  rights  and  fundamental  freedoms  in  accordance  with 
international standards 

• 

Continue  efforts  to  bring  Moroccan  legislation  into  line  with  international  human 
rights standards. 

EN 

18 

   EN 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Accord  duly  ratified  and  published  international  conventions  supremacy  over 
domestic  legislation  and  bring  national  law  into  line  with  these  conventions 
(preamble to the Constitution). 

Complete the process of transposing and implementing the Optional Protocol to the 
UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women 
(CEDAW). 

Implement  the  recommendations  passed  by  the  Committee  on  the  Elimination  of 
Racial  Discrimination  (CERD)  at  its  77th  session  in  Geneva  in  August  2010 
following examination of the periodic report on Morocco. 

Deposit with the United Nations the instruments of Morocco's accession to Optional 
Protocol  No  1  to  the  International  Covenant  on  Civil  and  Political  Rights  (ICCPR) 
regarding  the  complaints  procedure,  the  Option  Protocol  to  CEDAW  and  the 
Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. 

Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced 
Disappearance. 

Pursue  the  implementation  by  Morocco  of  the  recommendations  of  the  Universal 
Periodic Review of the UN Human Rights Council. 

Examine  the  advisability  of  Morocco's  being  given  a  standing  invitation  to  UN 
special procedures. 

Continue  the  consultations  on  ratification  of  the  Rome  Statute  of  the  International 
Criminal Court.  

Increase legal protection of the right to life, maintain the de facto moratorium on the 
death penalty and continue the dialogue on the revision of the Criminal Code with a 
view to abolition of the death penalty and on accession to Optical Protocol No 2 to 
the ICCPR. 

Continue  implementation  of  the  body  of  recommendations  by  the  Justice  and 
Reconciliation  Commission,  in  particular  by  implementing  a  national  strategy  to 
combat impunity. 

Adopt and implement a national democracy and human rights action plan. 

Step up dialogue and cooperation on efforts to combat racism and xenophobia.  

Adopt  and  implement  the  organic  law  making  Amazigh  an  official  State  language 
along with Arabic.  

Consolidate efforts to promote and preserve the cultural rights of Morocco’s different 
ethnic  components  (in  particular  those  under  way  in  the  audiovisual  field)  and 
protect  the  dialects  spoken  in  Morocco;  set  up  a  National  Council  of  Moroccan 
Languages and Culture to this end. 

• 

Guarantee the freedom of religious worship.  

EN 

19 

   EN 

• 

2.5 

Promote efforts to combat all forms of discrimination under Article 26 of the ICCPR. 

Freedom  of  expression,  in  particular  in  the  audiovisual  field,  and  freedoms  of 
association and assembly  

Ensure the protection of fundamental freedoms in accordance with international standards  

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Strengthen  guarantees  relating  to  freedom  of  expression  in  line  with  international 
standards. 

Adopt a new press code in line with international human rights standards and support 
the  development  and  implementation  of  a  code  of  ethics  by  journalists;  consider 
reducing or abolishing measures involving deprivation of liberty for journalists and 
guaranteeing  the  protection  of  sources  used  by  them  in  the  performance  of  their 
duties. 

Implement  effective  press  self-regulation  by  ensuring  strict  respect  for  democracy, 
ethics and codes of conduct in accordance with international standards. 

Complete the introduction of a National Press Council. 

Introduce  reforms  to  encourage  media  pluralism  and  independence,  in  particular 
financial independence, including by means of market liberalisation in the media and 
advertising sectors. 

Strengthen  the  role  of  the  High  Authority  of  Audiovisual  Communication  in  the 
liberalisation  of  the  audiovisual  sector,  promoting  pluralism  in  the  media  and 
encouraging the expression of a plurality of ideas and opinions. 

Consolidate  pluralism  in  the  audiovisual  sector  both  externally  (plurality  of 
operators) and internally (plurality of content) with a view to ensuring the necessary 
the 
resources  for 
establishment of a professional and effective audiovisual information system. 

the  production  of  diversified  content,  and 

in  particular 

Adopt and implement legislative measures on the right of access to information held 
by  public  administrations,  elected  institutions  and  bodies  with  a  public-service 
mission.  

Introduce mechanisms for pre-trial mediation in relation to press offences.  

Apply  the  existing  legislation  on  the  right  of  association  effectively  and  improve 
systems for appealing against the decisions or omissions of public authorities. 

Amend the law on street demonstrations and public gatherings so as to reconcile the 
interests of public order with the safeguarding of fundamental rights and freedoms. 

Adopt  and  implement  the  organic  law  on  arrangements  for  exercising  the  right  to 
strike in consultation with the social partners. 

EN 

20 

   EN 

2.6 

Promotion of women’s rights 

Promotion of the civil, political, social and economic rights of women and equality between 
men and women in all areas 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Implement the CEDAW and the principle of equal rights and freedoms in the civil, 
political, economic, social, cultural, educational and environmental fields.  

Work  towards  equality  between  men  and  women,  the  establishment  of  an  Equality 
Authority and the combating of discrimination in all its forms.  

Implement  the  government’s  2011-2015  gender  equality  agenda  as  a  government 
action plan for mainstreaming gender equality in public policies. 

Implement the conclusions of the Euro-Mediterranean meeting on the role of women 
in society (Marrakesh, November 2009). 

Implement  and  strengthen  mechanisms  and  structures  to  promote  and  protect 
women’s rights. 

Pursue  the  introduction  of  mechanisms  and  means  for  enhanced  implementation  of 
the Family Code by all parties concerned, continue efforts to raise judges’ awareness 
and  train  them  in  the  principles  and  objectives  of  the  Family  Code,  and  strengthen 
the family courts by providing them with adequate human and material resources.  

Set up and operate a Family Solidarity Fund. 

Finalise  the  legislative  framework  for  combating  violence  against  women  (through 
reform of the criminal law and adoption of an act on violence against women). 

Reinforce implementation of the equality measures in the Labour Code. 

2.7 

Promote  the  rights  of  children  and  the  vulnerable,  in  particular  people  with 
disabilities 

Ensure  that  the  rights  of  children  and  people  with  disabilities  are  protected  in  line  with 
international standards 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Strengthen  the  mechanisms  for  ensuring  effective  implementation  of  the  Labour 
Code  prohibition  on  the  employment  of  children  under  the  age  of  15  in  line  with 
International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions 182 and 138. 

Adopt and implement the act on the working and employment conditions applicable 
to domestic employees. 

Extend application of the healthcare scheme (RAMED) for the disadvantaged. 

Adopt and implement the act on the rights of persons with disabilities.  

Set  up  a  Family  and  Children’s  Advisory  Council  and  a  Youth  and  Community 
Action Advisory Council.  

EN 

21 

   EN 

2.8 

Cooperation between Morocco, the European Union and the Council of Europe 

Develop cooperation between Morocco and the Council of Europe, in particular in the Council’s 
areas of expertise, and identify synergies between the main themes of this cooperation and action 
in the context of the Morocco-EU partnership 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Initiate  cooperation  between  Morocco’s  CNDH  and  the  Council  of  Europe’s 
Commissioner for Human Rights to promote human rights. 

Ensure Morocco’s gradual accession to the relevant Council of Europe conventions 
on  the  protection  of  fundamental  rights  that  are  open  to  the  participation  of 
non-members of the Council  of  Europe  in accordance with the Council’s accession 
procedures, in particular the following: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

the Convention on Cybercrime and the Additional Protocol thereto; 

the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings; 

the Convention on the Exercise of Children's Rights; 

the Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and 
Sexual Abuse; 

the  Convention  on  Laundering,  Search,  Seizure  and  Confiscation  of  the 
Proceeds from Crime and on the Financing of Terrorism; 

the Conventions on the Fight against Corruption, and the Additional Protocol 
thereto; 

the Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism; 

the  Convention  on  Mutual  Assistance  in  Criminal  Matters,  and  the  second 
Additional Protocol thereto; 

the  Convention  for  the  Prevention  of  Torture  and  Inhuman  or  Degrading 
Treatment or Punishment; 

the  Convention  for  the  Protection  of  Individuals  with  regard  to  Automatic 
Processing of Personal Data; 

the  conventions  in  the  field  of  audiovisual  communication  and  support  for 
Moroccan accession to the European Audiovisual Observatory. 

Implement the tripartite cooperation process.  

Pursue  Partner  for  Democracy  status  with  the  Council  of  Europe  Parliamentary 
Assembly. 

Foster cooperation initiatives between Moroccan local authorities and the Council of 
Europe’s Congress of Local and Regional Authorities. 

Take  advantage  of  the  expertise  of  the  Commission  for  Democracy  through  Law 
(Venice Commission), which Morocco joined in 2007. 

EN 

22 

   EN 

• 

Align  Morocco’s  legal  framework  on  that  of  the  Council  of  Europe  in  the  field  of 
human rights.  

2.9 

Fight against corruption  

Cooperation in tackling corruption 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Implement the United Nations Convention and other relevant instruments in relation 
to preventing and combating corruption. 

Continue cooperation with the OECD on preventing and combating corruption. 

Continue  updating  and  harmonising  Moroccan  legislation  on  preventing  and 
combating corruption. 

Implement  the  action  plan  of  the  national  strategy  for  preventing  and  combating 
corruption. 

Build  public  capacity  for  the  objective  assessment  of  policies  on  preventing  and 
combating corruption. 

Map  corruption  risks  following  a  dual  approach  –  from  a  regional  and  sectoral 
perspective. 

Increase  the  transparency,  simplification  and  automation  of  procedures  at  public 
administration level and implement e-government objectives. 

Reinforce  inspection,  control,  monitoring  and  accounting  institutions  with  a  view, 
inter  alia,  to  ensuring  transparency  in  their  decisions  and  developing  coordination 
between them.  

Strengthen  the  rules  on  integrity  and  transparency  in  public  finance  management, 
devolved management of public services and procurement.  

Establish and develop the role, independence and capacities of the National Agency 
on Probity and the Fight against Corruption. 

Increase civil society participation in the prevention of corruption. 

Support the establishment of anti-corruption legal assistance centres. 

Strengthen the financial courts, including the Court of Auditors.  

Implement the act on the protection of victims and witnesses of corruption. 

To  achieve  all  the  objectives  in  the  section  headed  ‘Towards  an  area  of  shared  values’, 
Morocco  will  continue  in  its  efforts  to  raise  awareness  among  all  parties  and  stakeholders 
concerned at national level of the importance of following the principles and values laid down 
by  the  Council  of  Europe’s  European  Convention  on  Human  Rights,  the  EU  Charter  of 
Fundamental  Rights,  the  Partial  Agreements  of  the  Council  of  Europe,  and  the  relevant  EU 
directives.  A  list  of  the  items  of  European  legislation  to  be  taken  into  consideration  for  the 

EN 

23 

   EN 

purposes of this exercise is attached to this document for information (see Annex I). Efforts to 
raise awareness will also entail the national legislature taking these values and principles into 
account when formulating national legislation. 

3. 

JUSTICE AND SECURITY COOPERATION  

3.1 

Judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters 

Adoption of legislation for judicial cooperation between States 

• 

Implement the principal international conventions, e.g.: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

the  1965  Hague  Convention  on  the  Service  Abroad  of  Judicial  and 
Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters; 

the  1970  Hague  Convention  on  Taking  of  Evidence  Abroad  in  Civil  or 
Commercial Matters; 

the  1980  Hague  Convention  on  the  Civil  Aspects  of  International  Child 
Abduction; 

the  1996  Hague  Convention  on  Jurisdiction,  Applicable  Law,  Recognition, 
Enforcement  and  Cooperation  in  Respect  of  Parental  Responsibility  and 
Measures for the Protection of Children; 

• 

• 

• 

Step up the dialogue on the international protection of children and family law issues 
in  the  context  of  Morocco’s  participation  in  the  Judicial  Conference  on  Cross-
Frontier Family Law Issues, the ‘Malta Process’ initiated by The Hague Conference 
on private international law. 

Devise  practical  solutions  to  anticipate,  manage  and  resolve  conflicts  pertaining  to 
parental responsibility, in particular child abduction. 

Conclude  a  cooperation  agreement  between  Morocco  and  the  European  Judicial 
Cooperation  Unit  (EUROJUST),  taking  due  account  of  the  requirements  for  the 
protection of personal data. 

3.2 

Police cooperation  

Continue the development of cooperation between the police authorities of Morocco and the 
Member States 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Promote police cooperation on best practices. 

Enter  into  a  strategic  cooperation  agreement  between  the  relevant  Moroccan 
authorities and the European Police Office (EUROPOL). 

Conclude  a  cooperation  agreement  between  Morocco  and  the  European  Police 
College (CEPOL), and Moroccan participation in CEPOL training initiatives. 

Set up a Higher Institute of Crime Prevention.  

EN 

24 

   EN 

3.3 

Cooperation in action to combat terrorism 

Continue to develop and step up cooperation on preventing and combating terrorism 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Step  up  cooperation  on  preventing  and  combating  terrorism,  and  on  prevention, 
intelligence and judicial and police cooperation plans. 

Continue implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 1988/11, 1989/11 and 
1373/01, and ratify all relevant international conventions and protocols. 

Continue cooperation within COTER. 

Implement  anti-terrorism  legislation,  including  legislation  on  the  prevention  of  and 
the fight against terrorism financing, whilst ensuring due respect for human rights. 

3.4 

Cooperation in tackling organised crime  

Ratify and implement international instruments to combat organised crime 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Implement the United Nations Convention against transnational organised crime and 
the Additional Protocols thereto on the smuggling of migrants by land, air and sea, 
against  the  illicit  manufacturing  of  and  trafficking  in  firearms,  their  parts  and 
components  and  ammunition,  and  on  preventing,  suppressing  and  punishing 
trafficking in persons, especially women and children. 

Formulate  legislation  in  accordance  with  the  relevant  international  standards  and 
instruments. 

Formulate legislation on preventing and combating the trafficking of human beings 
in line with international standards and instruments.  

Step up initiatives aimed at the most vulnerable groups (women and children). 

Provide training on mechanisms to prevent and combat organised crime, and on the 
trafficking  of  human  beings  in  particular,  including  the  identification  of,  protection 
for and assistance to victims of trafficking. 

Improve  instruments  for  analysing  the  nature  of  the  crime,  and  trafficking  and 
exploitation mechanisms.  

Exchange information and best practice on preventing and combating cybercrime. 

Develop methods for combating human trafficking  

• 

• 

Strengthen the global strategy targeting the recruiters, transporters and exploiters of 
these people, other intermediaries, clients and beneficiaries. 

Introduce specialised training for judges, police and border officials. 

EN 

25 

   EN 

3.5 

Prevention measures and the fight against drugs and drug-trafficking  

Step  up  efforts  to  combat  drug-trafficking,  including  the  transport  and  export  of  drugs,  and 
drug addiction, in particular through prevention in the context of the implementation of the 
different components of the national anti-drugs strategy 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Strengthen the national strategy on prevention and the fight against drugs, including 
action to cut demand and supply, on prevention and on developing the regions. 

Continue dialogue on prevention measures and the fight against drugs. 

Initiate  cooperation  with  the  European  Monitoring  Centre  for  Drugs  and  Drug 
Addictions  (EMCDDA),  with  a  view  to  operations  with  the  national  monitoring 
centre for drugs and drug addictions. 

Introduce specialist training initiatives aimed at law enforcement agencies and staff 
(in particular the police), care and treatment. 

Build capacity at the National Narcotics Commission. 

Cooperate  in  the  continued  process  of  eradicating  the  cultivation  of  cannabis  and 
introduce alternative development programmes. 

Develop programmes in Morocco for the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of 
drug addicts, including programmes developed together with the competent Council 
of Europe bodies. 

Develop specific structures for the health and social care of persons affected by drug 
addiction. 

Cooperate in the drafting of laws on the diversion of chemical precursors and other 
substances used in the production of drugs. 

3.6 

Money laundering and economic and financial crime 

Strengthen cooperation efforts to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Implement Article 61 of the Association Agreement. 

information  on 

Exchange 
typologies  and 
international instruments (in particular the recommendations of the Financial Action 
Task Force (FATF)) relating to the prevention of and fight against money laundering 
and the financing of terrorism. 

legislation,  practices,  European 

Continue  development  of  the  legal  and  regulatory  framework  for  preventing  and 
combating  money  laundering  and  the  financing  of  terrorism  in  accordance  with 
FATF recommendations.  

Strengthen  national  mechanisms  for  preventing  and  combating  money  laundering 
and the financing of terrorism. 

EN 

26 

   EN 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Strengthen  the  exchange  of  information  between  the  European  system  of  Financial 
Intelligence Units (FIUs) and the Moroccan system, in particular in the framework of 
the Egmont Group. 

Develop  a  training  programme  for  judges,  prosecutors,  police  forces  and  other 
authorities concerned. 

Build the capacity of Morocco’s FIU and strengthen its role in prevention. 

Conduct campaigns to raise taxpayer awareness. 

Develop procedures for monitoring and overseeing taxpayers.  

3.7 

Border  management,  mobility  of  persons  and  migration  policy,  international 
protection and asylum  

Pursue dialogue on migration, mobility and security with a view, inter alia, with a view to: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

better organised legal migration;  

maximising the positive impact of migration on development;  

effectively combating illegal migration and human trafficking, including cooperation 
in relation to readmission and better border controls; 

promoting international protection and strengthening asylum policy;  

promoting  and  respecting  the  rights  of  migrants,  whether  they  are  Moroccan 
nationals residing in the EU or third-country nationals in Morocco;  

promoting  initiatives  for  the  integration  of  Moroccan  migrants  legally  entering  the 
EU  and  the  social  and  professional  reintegration  of  Moroccans  returning  to  their 
home country. 

The objective of the dialogue is to conclude a Partnership for Mobility under which initiatives 
on  migration,  mobility  and  security  will  be  agreed  and  implemented  by  both  parties.  The 
measures  identified  through  the  dialogue  might  include,  for  example,  better  access  to  legal 
migration channels, a relaxation of procedures for obtaining visas (drawing, for instance, on 
the  EU  Visa  Code),  readmission  to  the  country  of  origin,  and  social  and  professional 
reintegration in cases of voluntary return.  

The Partnership for Mobility is designed as a long-term cooperation framework in line with 
the Comprehensive Approach to migration and mobility issues and Moroccan policy on these 
matters and based on the policy dialogue and the cooperation that will develop over time out 
of the relationship between Morocco and the EU. 

Development of international protection and asylum policy through: 

• 

the strengthening of Morocco’s legislative and institutional framework for the right 
of asylum in line with international standards and the Moroccan Constitution;  

EN 

27 

   EN 

• 

• 

• 

the continued implementation of the principles of the 1951 Geneva Convention and 
the 1967 Protocol thereto, for example in relation to methods for identifying migrants 
requiring  international  protection,  application  of  the  principle  of  non-refoulement, 
the consequences of obtaining refugee status; 

the strengthening of public migration policies by taking account of the requirements 
of international protection and the need to offer refugees sustainable solutions which 
would also allow them to be integrated; 

continued  cooperation  with  the  United  Nations  High  Commissariat  for  Refugees 
(UNHCR) in the framework of its work in Morocco and the development of national 
structures to deal with the whole of the asylum procedure.  

3.8 

Personal data protection  

Ensure  a  high  level  of  personal  data  protection  in  the  development  of  information-society 
applications, public databases and electronic communication 

• 

• 

Step up cooperation between the National Commission for the Protection of Personal 
Data  and  similar  bodies  in  Europe  responsible  for  monitoring  the  processing  of 
personal data. 

Ensure  the  protection  of  personal  data  in  the  context  of  the  development  of 
e-commerce (electronic signatures, domain name management, etc.). 

4. 

PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE LINKS 

4.1 

Parliamentary cooperation 

• 

• 

• 

Strengthen the role of the EU-Morocco Joint Parliamentary Committee; 

Build the Parliament’s technical, organisational and legislative capacities; 

Ensure  cooperation  between  Morocco’s  Parliament  and  the  European  Parliament 
with  a  view  to  strengthening  the  partnership  between  Morocco  and  the  EU,  in 
particular through the implementation of this Action Plan. 

4.2 

Foster  exchange  and  consultation  networks  between  civil-society  stakeholders 
and involve new stakeholders 

• 

• 

• 

• 

the  organisational,  managerial  and  advocacy  capacity  of  community 

Build 
stakeholders in Morocco.  

Foster exchanges between Moroccan and European NGOs. 

Facilitate  access  to  new  information  and  communication  technologies  by  civil 
society, in particular youth groups and clubs. 

Strengthen  the  role  of  regional  development  agencies  in  the  implementation  of 
cooperation  programmes,  exchanges  of  experience  and  building  the  capacities  of 
civil society stakeholders. 

EN 

28 

   EN 

• 

4.3 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Establish stronger dialogue between the EU (including the Agency for Fundamental 
Rights) and Morocco’s CNDH. 

Develop  a  structure  for  relations  between  Moroccan  local  authorities  and  the 
EU and with the Committee of the Regions 

Step  up  exchanges  between  Moroccan  and  European  local  authorities  in  the 
framework of the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM). 

Promote  the  development  of  cooperation  projects  by  local  authorities,  in  particular 
through development agencies. 

Promote multi-level governance and cooperation at different institutional levels. 

Strengthen local government and set up modernisation and training programmes for 
local and regional authorities. 

4.4 

Cooperation  between  Morocco's  Economic  and  Social  Council  and  the 
European Economic and Social Committee 

Strengthen ties and promote structured cooperation between Morocco's Economic and Social 
Council and the European Economic and Social Committee 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Establish structured cooperation and regular dialogue between the two institutions. 

Promote social dialogue between the social partners and civil society organisations in 
Morocco and EU organisations. 

Exchange  information,  publications  and  databases  as  a  contribution  to  developing 
activities and enriching discussions in the two institutions. 

Arrange joint conferences on subjects of common interest. 

4.5 

Cooperation between the Ombudsman’s office and the European Ombudsman  

Establish structured cooperation and regular dialogue between the two bodies 

• 

• 

Enhance expertise in the field of mediation. 

Develop  an  action  programme  for  the  agreement  under  negotiation,  covering  the 
following:  

– 

– 

– 

mechanisms  to  strengthen  the  rights  of  citizens  in  dealings  with  public 
authorities; 

mechanisms for raising ethical standards in the public sector; 

mechanisms  for  spreading  the  culture  of  human  rights  and  the  principles  of 
sound administration. 

• 

Coordinate action by both institutions within international bodies. 

EN 

29 

   EN 

4.6 

Cultural cooperation 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Complete  the  procedure  for  ratifying  and  implementing  the  2005  UNESCO 
Convention  on  the  Protection  and  Promotion  of  the  Diversity  of  Cultural 
Expressions. 

Step up cultural cooperation with a view to promoting intercultural dialogue. 

Work  in  international  forums,  e.g.  UNESCO,  to  promote  and  protect  cultural 
diversity.  

Promote  dialogue  and  cooperation  on  preserving  and  enhancing  the  historical 
heritage and the development of cultural industries. 

Step  up  Morocco’s  participation  in  cultural  cooperation  programmes  in  the 
Mediterranean  region  (EuroMed  Heritage  and  EuroMed  Audiovisual)  by  involving 
the  High  Authority  of  Audiovisual 
the 
Communication, the Royal Institute for the Amazigh Culture (IRCAM), the Council 
for the Moroccan Community Abroad (CCME), etc.  

relevant  Moroccan  bodies,  e.g. 

Modernise and improve the management of the cultural sector (public and private). 

Develop Morocco’s role in the promotion of intercultural dialogue by strengthening 
the cultural industries with a view to increasing the production and dissemination of 
audiovisual content reflecting, inter alia, values and aims shared with the EU. 

Cooperate with the Council of Europe's North-South Centre. 

Cooperate  in  the  redrafting  of  the  Moroccan  National  Plan  for  the  Alliance  of 
Civilisations. 

B. 

TOWARDS A COMMON ECONOMIC AREA 

5. 

ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL REFORM 

5.1 

Macroeconomic framework  

Consolidate the progress achieved with a view to improving the macroeconomic performance 
and promoting growth, employment and development  

• 

• 

• 

Further  consolidate  the  stability  of  the  macroeconomic  framework,  including 
promotion of a sustainable current account position and the development of foreign 
trade in the economy. 

Pursue a prudent budget policy with a view to medium-term budgetary consolidation 
to ensure the stability and viability of public finances. 

Continue the public-debt reduction policy. 

EN 

30 

   EN 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Build  operational  capacity  in  the  Central  Bank  for  implementing  a  policy  on 
supervising the banking system and controlling inflation. 

Strengthen  the  financial  management  system,  in  particular  through  exchanges  of 
expertise. 

Diversify the sources of economic growth. 

Continue public administration reform. 

Continue  efforts  to  reform  the  system  of  subsidies  for  the  prices  of  energy  and 
certain foods so as to reduce the budgetary burden and ensure the viability of public 
finances  through  appropriate  targeting,  particularly  for  the  benefit  of  low-income 
groups. 

5.2 

Taxation 

Continue the development of a tax policy and tax administration in line with international and 
European standards 

Secure the level of public revenues and improve the equity of the tax system 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Continue  reforming  derogation  arrangements  and  limit  the  creation  of  new 
exemptions. 

Broaden the tax base. 

Continue VAT reform by simplifying and improving its economic neutrality. 

Continue income tax reforms.  

Develop taxpayer compliance and introduce gradual taxation of the informal sector. 

Modernisation of the tax administration 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Continue  computerisation  of  the  services  provided  by  the  Directorate-General  of 
Taxes (DGI). 

Continue  simplification  of  the  tax  system,  in  particular  the  harmonisation  of 
deadlines for returns, appeals and penalties. 

Improve the effectiveness and efficiency of tax inspection through new approaches, 
e.g. a risk-based approach combined with targeting, and by equipping the DGI with 
automatic audit programming facilities. 

Improve  internal  control  systems:  traceability  of  decisions;  internal  management 
procedures;  management  audit  and  inspection;  performance-indicator  monitoring 
instrument; scoreboard (tableau de bord); etc. 

Improve the quality of the service in general, and of client-handling in particular. 

Tax cooperation and gradual convergence with the European corporation tax system  

EN 

31 

   EN 

• 

• 

• 

Continue  and  extend  dialogue  on  implementing  the  principles  of  good  tax 
governance, including the EU code of conduct on business taxation. 

Implement the provisions on investment-friendly taxation of the Euro-Mediterranean 
Charter for Enterprise provisions. 

Train DGI managerial staff. 

5.3 

Management and control of public finances 

Increase  the  transparency,  effectiveness  and  efficiency  of  methods  for  programming, 
managing, implementing and controlling public spending  

Continue development of sound management of public finances  

• 

Adopt  the  new  Organic  Law  on  the  Budget  Act  currently  being  drafted,  which 
establishes the principles of: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

multiannual programming,  

performance-based management, 

budgetary transparency through recasting of the budgetary structure to focus on 
the concept of programmes, 

budgetary sustainability through the introduction of new rules, 

a stronger and clearer role for Parliament in the budget process. 

Continue  the  modernisation  of  public  accounting,  including  a  gradual  switch  to  accrual 
systems 

• 

• 

• 

Extend the public expenditure management information system. 

Build  the  capacity  of  administrations,  particular  decentralised  administrations,  and 
managers responsible for budget management. 

Modernise the local public finance management system.  

Modernise the system of internal public expenditure controls 

• 

• 

Continue  building  the  capacity  of  the  administrations  (Inspectorate  General  of 
Finance (IGF), Inspectorate General of Ministries (IGM) and Inspectorate General of 
Local  Authorities  (IGAT))  responsible  for  auditing  and  verifying  the  legality  and 
performance of public spending. 

international  standards  and  methodologies 
Continue  gradual  alignment  on 
(International Federation of Accountants – IFAC, Institute of Internal Auditors – IIA, 
International  Organisation  of  Supreme  Audit  Institutions  –  INTOSAI)  and  EU  best 
practices in the area of control and audit of public revenue and expenditure. 

EN 

32 

   EN 

• 

• 

• 

Introduce  legislation  on  the  accountability  of  management  (authorising  officers), 
auditors and accountants in the public sector. 

Build capacity for more effective implementation of the legislation on State financial 
control of State-owned enterprises. 

Arrange  exchanges  of  experience  and  expertise  between  Moroccan  public-finance 
control and audit bodies and their European counterparts. 

Strengthen the system of external oversight of public expenditure 

• 

• 

• 

Strengthen the capacity of the National Audit Office. 

Arrange exchanges of experience between Morocco’s National Audit Office and the 
external audit bodies of EU Member States. 

Underpin  budgetary  democracy  by  strengthening  the  Parliament’s  capacity  and 
powers to scrutinise the adoption and implementation of the annual budget.  

5.4 

Structural reforms to make the Moroccan economy competitive 

Structural reform and progress toward a functioning and competitive market economy  

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Continue the reforms aimed at improving the business climate, including the ongoing 
work on the Investment Charter, and physical infrastructure with a view to sustaining 
investment, increasing competitiveness and creating employment. 

Set up an early warning and consultation mechanism for measures having an impact 
on trade and investment. 

Implement  the  outline  plan  for  integrated  industrial  platforms  and  business  areas 
under the National Pact for Industrial Emergence and the Rawaj Plan for trade and 
distribution.  

Improve the availability of industrial and commercial sites. 

Continue implementation of measures aimed at increasing productivity and training 
the labour force in growth sectors of the economy, in particular those mentioned in 
the  National  Pact  for  Industrial  Emergence  (aeronautical,  automobile,  electronic, 
offshore, agri-food and textile industries).  

Conduct  strategic  and  commercial  studies  on  the  development  of  industrial  sectors 
and new business niches. 

5.5 

Employment  (including  fundamental  social  rights  and  core  labour  standards) 
and social policy  

Step up dialogue and cooperation on employment, social policy and gender equality  

Promote gender equality 

EN 

33 

   EN 

• 

• 

• 

Actively  promote  gender  equality  at  all  levels  (employment,  education,  training, 
entrepreneurship and decision-making). 

Pursue policies on equal opportunities and combating gender stereotyping. 

Strengthen the protection for pregnant women in the workplace. 

Strengthen fundamental social rights and core labour standards 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Establish conditions conducive to the ratification of ILO Convention 87 on Freedom 
of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise. 

Strengthen  monitoring  of  the  implementation  and  effective  application  of  the  legal 
provisions relating to ILO Conventions 29, 87, 98, 100, 105, 111, 138 and 182. 

Strengthen  mechanisms  for  monitoring  application  of  the  provisions  of  labour 
legislation, including those on child labour. 

Continue negotiations with the economic and social partners on the adoption of the 
organic law on exercising the right to strike.  

Develop  appropriate  and  independent  social  dialogue  structures  (bipartite  and 
tripartite), including capacity-building of the social partners.  

Promote  corporate  social  responsibility  and  the  development  of  business  practices 
complying with the United Nations Global Compact, the ILO Tripartite Declaration 
on Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy and the relevant OECD practices. 

including 

Strengthen  the  system  for  promoting  and  monitoring  health  and  safety  in  the 
workplace, 
the 
precautionary principle, the prevention of occupational risks relating to the handling 
of dangerous or toxic substances, and the exchange of best practices and analyses in 
this area with a view to reducing accidents and occupational diseases. 

training  measures, 

through  related 

institution  of 

Align national legislation on the general principles of the EU directives concerning 
the  prevention  of  occupational  risks,  the  protection  of  health  and  safety,  the 
elimination  of  risk  and  accident  factors,  the  informing,  consultation,  balanced 
participation  in  accordance  with  national  laws  and/or  practices  and  training  of 
workers  and  their  representatives2,  and  support  its  implementation  by  the  National 
Institute for Working Life.  

Improve  methods  for  registering  accidents  at  work  and  for  the  transparent  and 
coherent handling of all statistics on such accidents. 

Implement policies on employment, employability and decent work with a view to generating 
employment and tackling unemployment. Promote access to decent productive employment in 
the official economy 

• 

2 

EN 

Develop  the  policy  of  employment,  employability  and  decent  work  in  Morocco 
taking  account  of  the  guidelines  of  the  European  strategy  on  employment  and  the 

Provided  for  in  Council  Directive  89/391/EEC  of  12  June  1989  on  the  introduction  of  measures  to 
encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work, OJ L 183, 29.6.1989. 

34 

   EN 

                                                 
action framework agreed by the EuroMed Ministerial Conference on employment in 
Marrakesh in November 2008, in accordance with the principles of justice and social 
equity, and in particular:  

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

raise the participation rate in the formal productive sector and of women, and 
increase the proportion of the self-employed in the working population; 

develop  training  leading  to  qualifications  (particularly  apprenticeships  and 
sandwich  training),  in  particular  for  young  people  with  a  view  to  increasing 
their employability; 

ensure that qualifications are more adapted to labour market requirements, and 
in  particular  facilitate  the  integration  of  young  people  and  women  into 
productive, formal employment; 

implement  a  system  for  evaluating  and  monitoring  job-creation  measures  in 
order  to  increase  their  effectiveness  and  tailor  them  more  to  labour  market 
requirements;  develop  the  capacity  of  the  National  Agency  for  Employment 
and Skills (ANAPEC); 

implement  the  integrated  decent  work  programme  after  its  adoption  by 
Morocco and the ILO, and monitor its objectives and indicators. 

Promote the adoption and implementation of a general social protection and inclusion policy 
scheme  

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Adopt and implement a loss-of-job compensation scheme. 

Continue  the  drive  for  a  sustained  reduction  in  the  numbers  of  people  living  in 
absolute or relative poverty or in a vulnerable situation. 

Continue  the  drive  for  a  sustained  reduction  in  the  levels  of  social  exclusion  (e.g. 
percentage of the population living in shanty towns). 

Pursue cooperation with a view to achieving Morocco’s target of poverty reduction 
and improving social cohesion. 

Guarantee  active  social  inclusion  for  all  by  encouraging  participation  in  the  labour 
market, in particular for the most vulnerable groups.  

Introduce practical administrative and regulatory measures for the socio-occupational 
integration of people with a disability. 

Extend  compulsory  health  insurance  to  all  socio-occupational  categories  (in 
particular self-employed workers, professionals and students). 

Exchange  best  practices  with  a  view  to  extending  the  coverage  and  increasing  the 
level  of  social  protection,  in  particular  for  the  most  disadvantaged  sections  of  the 
population.  

Guarantee the financial sustainability of the social protection system. 

EN 

35 

   EN 

Widen  the  system  of  medical  insurance  to  provide  good  basic  healthcare  to  the  whole 
population (in particular the socially disadvantaged)  

• 

• 

Reduce  the  average  direct  expenditure  of  households  (‘out  of  pocket’  expenditure), 
in particular for the most vulnerable sections of the population. 

Increase  the  numbers  of  people  actually  covered  by  a  health  insurance  or  medical 
care scheme. 

Convergence: To implement the above reforms and for the purposes of regulatory convergence, 
Morocco  must  take  account,  with  the  EU's  support,  of  the  relevant  European  directives  on 
health and safety at work (development of the new legislative and regulatory framework on the 
prevention of occupational risks), gender equality, protection against discrimination and labour 
law, and of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. 

5.6 

Regional and local development 

• 

Consolidate the development process at local level: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

strengthen 
particularly rural municipalities (‘Communes 2015’); 

institutional  and  financial  resources  of  municipalities, 

the 

ensure  the  general  application  of  municipal  development  plans  (preparation, 
adoption, periodic review); 

promote cooperation between municipalities; 

modernise  municipal  administration  by 
automation and improving the quality of services to citizens; 

introducing  computerisation, 

strengthen  partnership  between  local  authorities,  the  private  sector  and 
the  construction  and 
non-governmental  organisations  with  a  view 
management of local and regional infrastructure and facilities; 

to 

– 

exploit the tax potential of local authorities. 

• 

Ensure a faster reduction in disparities between regions and between rural and urban 
areas: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

formulate and implement regional development policies and policies focusing 
on specific areas (e.g. mountain regions); 

develop and implement regional development plans in the 16 regions; 

reduce disparities in access to basic social and economic infrastructures; 

build the capacities of regional and local development stakeholders; 

at the next joint evaluations (Morocco, Commission) of the implementation of 
the  Euro-Mediterranean  Charter  for  Enterprise,  subject  to  the  availability  of 
financing, assess whether the Charter is known and applied in the country as a 

EN 

36 

   EN 

whole, including outside economic development centres, and its impact in the 
various regions and for final beneficiaries; 

– 

step up cooperation through the regional and crossborder programmes between 
Morocco and the EU with a view to reducing imbalances in the development of 
regions and increasing their prosperity. 

5.7 

Human and social development 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Seek greater efficiency in National Human Development Initiative (NHDI) projects. 

Step up monitoring and evaluation of NHDI projects.  

Promote micro-projects that create jobs and generate a steady income. 

Increase the participation of women, young people and people with special needs in 
the NHDI’s governing bodies. 

5.8 

Sustainable development  

• 

• 

6 

Implement  the  sustainable  development  elements  of  the  National  Charter  for  the 
Environment and Sustainable Development by finalising the framework act. 

Continue  introducing  structures  and  procedures  for  strategic  planning  in  the 
sustainable development field and ensure coordination between stakeholders. 

TRADE, MARKETS AND REGULATORY REFORM 

6.1 

Alignment of Morocco's legislative framework with that of the EU in these areas  

• 

• 

Create  machinery  for  identifying  differences  between  Moroccan  legislation  and  the 
Community  acquis  with  a  view  to  facilitating  the  setting-up  of  a  national 
convergence programme.  

Identify priority sectors for regulatory alignment, the national resources needed and 
the order of its roll-out.  

6.2 

Trade relations, including conclusion of a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade 
Agreement 

In accordance with the recommendations of the Euromed road map and the objectives set out 
in the joint document on advanced status, the two parties will seek first to conclude a Deep 
and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA), leading to a common economic area in 
the fullness of time. 

Implementation of the undertakings in the AA, Title II (Free movement of goods) 

• 

Monitor  issues  concerned  with  the  trade  part  of  the  EU-Morocco  Association 
Agreement, in particular with a view to the reciprocal elimination of tariff and non-
tariff restrictions on the import and export of goods. 

EN 

37 

   EN 

• 

• 

• 

Pursue and step up liberalisation of trade in goods in line with sectoral policies. 

Implement  and  monitor  the  agreement  on  liberalisation  of  trade  in  agricultural 
products, processed agricultural products, fish and fishery products.  

Train staff and build administrative capacity in international trade. 

Contribute to the creation of the Euro-Mediterranean free trade area 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Continue implementation of Free Trade Agreements with the Mediterranean partners 
at regional, intra-regional or bilateral levels. 

Implement and monitor the agreement on trade dispute settlement, including support 
for  the  training  of  a  core  group  of  Moroccan  international  trade  arbitrators  to 
participate in dispute settlement proceedings. 

Monitor  implementation  of  the  Agadir  Agreement  in  all  areas  presently  covered. 
Work to increase the number of areas covered, for example by including services and 
investment, and encourage extension of the Agadir Agreement to other countries of 
the region.  

Implement initiatives to strengthen the Euro-Mediterranean partnership, notably the 
setting-up of a Euro-Mediterranean mechanism to facilitate trade and investment that 
will  include  an  early  warning  and  rapid  consultation  system  for  measures  that  will 
have an impact on trade and investment.  

Strengthen  cooperation  and  dialogue  in  the  drafting  and  use  of  trade  defence 
instruments. 

Continue the ongoing bilateral negotiations on liberalisation of the trade in services 
and right of establishment. 

Conclusion of a DCFTA 

• 

• 

Start negotiations with the aim of concluding an EU-Morocco DCFTA that will help 
their markets to gradually integrate.  

The DCFTA negotiations will cover the following sectors (non-exhaustive list since 
account will be taken of the priority sectors selected for legislative alignment: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

technical  regulations  on 
assessment; 

public procurement; 

industrial  products,  standards  and  conformity 

capital movements and payments; 

protection of intellectual property rights; 

health and plant health issues; 

competition policy; 

EN 

38 

   EN 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

customs and trade facilitation; 

dialogue on trade defence instruments; 

further liberalisation of trade in services and investment protection; 

trade and sustainable development; 

examination of the possibilities of improving the preferences granted under the 
free  trade  agreement  on  agricultural  products,  processed  agricultural  products 
and fishery products, taking into account agricultural policy and the sensitivity 
and characteristics of the products concerned on both sides. 

6.3 

FACILITATE MARKET ACCESS FOR INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS  

6.3.1 

Free circulation of industrial products (EU harmonised areas) 

Facilitate  market  access  for  industrial  products.  Bring  Moroccan  legislation  on  industrial 
products further into line with international and European rules and practices  

• 

• 

• 

• 

In the advanced status framework continue aligning relevant legislation with the EU 
acquis and implementing it through improved infrastructure.  

Continue alignment of legislation on standards, technical regulations and conformity 
assessment with a view to gradual harmonisation with the European legal framework 
horizontally and in priority sectors. 

Strengthen the institutions responsible for standardisation (IMANOR), accreditation 
(COMAC),  and  conformity  assessment,  metrology  and  market  surveillance, 
including exchanges of information and expertise and their integration into European 
and international structures and organisations, including membership in the European 
Cooperation for Accreditation (EA).  

Negotiate  an  agreement  on  conformity  assessment  and  the  acceptance  of  industrial 
products (ACAA) in sectors of common interest where the legislation and standards 
are the same as in the European Union; 

6.3.2  Elimination of restrictions (EU non-harmonised areas) 

Facilitate the movement of goods and improve administrative cooperation 

• 

• 

• 

Continue  efforts  to  prevent  discriminatory  measures  and  ensure  that  the  parties 
concerned have the opportunity to raise problems.  

Strengthen the central contact point and the information point established under the 
Agreement  on  Technical  Barriers  to  Trade  in order  to  facilitate  the  transmission  of 
information and cooperation between the EU and Morocco and between traders.  

Screen  Moroccan  legislation  on  the  composition,  labelling,  manufacture  and 
description of products to bring it into line with the existing EU general rules.  

EN 

39 

   EN 

• 

Identify  and  examine  non-tariff  barriers  and  promote  their  elimination  through  the 
Euromed trade facilitation mechanism. 

6.4 

Sanitary and phytosanitary issues 

Improve  animal  and  plant  health,  ensure  food  and  animal  feed  safety  and  facilitate 
EU-Morocco trade  

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Continue implementation of the WTO Agreement on the application of Sanitary and 
Phytosanitary  (SPS)  Measures  and  the  international  standards  of  the  World 
Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the International Plant Protection Convention 
(IPPC) and the Codex Alimentarius. 

Upgrade  rules  on  animal  and  plant  health,  food  safety,  animal  feed  and  animal 
welfare in order to align them on EU rules and levels of protection, including rules 
on hygiene, identification and traceability, live animals, food products, animal feed, 
fishery products, etc. In particular:  

– 

– 

adoption of laws and regulations drawn up and validated within the EU-funded 
twinning project 2007-2009;  

adoption of laws and regulations implementing Law No 28/07 on food safety. 

Encourage agri-food industries, including the fishing industry, to adopt hygiene and 
safety standards in accordance with Law No 28/07. 

Cooperate in the field of pesticide registration, control of residues and contaminants 
in  food  and  feed  and  measures  against  to  protect  against  the  introduction  of 
organisms harmful to plants or plant products. 

Cooperate with the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA) in order to: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

improve the prevention and eradication of contagious animal diseases; 

implement the new food safety rules (Law No. 28/07); 

ensure inspection posts at borders are in compliance; 

upgrade laboratories in order to obtain their accreditation. 

Continue  cooperation  with  the  ONSSA  to  implement,  in  particular,  a  regionalised 
animal-health  system  to  facilitate  Morocco's  exports  under  the  EU-Morocco  free 
trade agreement in goods. 

Continue  cooperation  on  health  alerts  and  the  Rapid  Alert  System  (RASFF)  in 
accordance with EU procedures. 

Continued  Moroccan  participation  in  the  Trade  Control  and  Expert  System 
(TRACES). 

Cooperation  with  the  ONSSA  with  the  aim  of  setting  up  a  system  of  licensing 
agri-food establishments (food of animal origin). This system must:  

EN 

40 

   EN 

(a) 

protect consumer health in Morocco;  

(b) 

(c) 

serve  as  a  tool  to  increase  transparency,  predictability,  and  confidence  in  the 
controls and so facilitate trade; 

(be based on an assessment of the effectiveness of exporting countries' official 
inspection  and  certification  systems  (rather 
than  specific  products  or 
establishments),  in  accordance  with  the  principles  and  guidelines  set  out  in 
international 
in  particular  Codex  Alimentarius  Standard 
CAC/GL 26-1997;  

standards, 

(d) 

ensure that the ONSSA's resources are used efficiently and effectively. 

Convergence: To achieve these objectives, Morocco will set priorities and adopt the necessary 
laws and regulations (e.g. regulations implementing Law No 28/07 on food safety and draft 
laws  drawn  up  and  validated  within  the  EU  funded  twinning  project  2007-2009.  With  EU 
support,  Morocco  will  take  into  account  the  relevant  EU  legislation  for  regulatory 
convergence in the veterinary and phytosanitary fields.  

6.5 

Agriculture and fisheries 

Agriculture 

Modernisation  and  capacity-building  in  agriculture  with  a  view  to  trade  liberalisation,  in 
accordance with the perspectives of the Green Morocco Plan (Plan Maroc Vert - PMV) 

• 

Develop  'solidarity  agriculture'  (Pillar  II  of  the  PMV),  in  particular  small-scale 
agriculture  in  fragile,  difficult  regions. The  following  types  of  priority  actions  are 
proposed to strengthen the partnership programmes: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

development  of  Mediterranean  arboriculture  in  mountainous  areas  to  help 
reduce poverty; 

development of traditional local products, targeting products of interest to both 
parties;  

improving  economic  conditions 
in  agriculture,  particularly  as  regards 
mechanisation, marketing, services to small farmers, technological innovation, 
research to improve productivity and quality, etc.); 

development of high quality products, including organic products;  

cooperation on geographical indications; 

conservation of natural resources and biodiversity. 

• 

• 

Promote high quality products and consolidate trade through product networks.  

Facilitate,  strengthen  and  promote  partnerships  between  Moroccan  and  European 
professional organisations of agricultural producers. 

EN 

41 

   EN 

• 

• 

Enter  into  negotiations  on  a  bilateral  agreement  to  protect  geographical  indications 
three  months  after  the  entry  into  force  of  the  agreement  on  the  liberalisation  of 
agricultural, agri-industrial and fisheries trade.  

Assist Morocco to meet in the short term the conditions for participation in pilot rural 
development projects (ENPARD programme) and in the medium term engage in the 
multiannual development of the initiative.  

Regulations  and  standards  for  non-sanitary  conformity  and  codes  of  good  practice  for 
agricultural and fishery products.  

• 

• 

• 

Align  legislation  on  non-sanitary  conformity  standards  and  codes  of  good  practice 
for  agricultural  and  fishery  products  with  a  view  to  gradual  harmonisation  with 
European legal framework. 

Capacity  building  and  support  for  institutions  in  charge  of  the  above  work  on 
agricultural and fishery products (the EACCE (Autonomous Body for Export Control 
and  Coordination),  ONSSA  and  others),  principally 
through  exchanges  of 
information and their integration into European and international structures. 

Upgrade skills of professionals dealing with non-sanitary conformity regulation and 
standards. 

Facilitate trade by eliminating non-tariff barriers on agricultural and fishery products.  

• 

• 

Updating  of  Moroccan  legislation  on  labelling,  composition,  manufacture  and 
presentation of food products and descriptions of agricultural and fishery products.  

Alignment  on  general  EU  principles  concerning  labelling  of  products  containing 
meat, fat content, etc.  

Improve implementation of regulatory  alignment under PMV in accordance with  the aim of 
convergence.  

• 

• 

Build  capacity  in  legal  matters  and  in  agricultural  policy  making:  presentation  of 
internal  and  external  EU  regulations,  including  the  various  mechanisms  of  the 
common agricultural market organisations and the CAP. 

Improve  intelligence  gathering  about  products  and  markets  in  support  of  the  new 
policy to modernise agriculture. 

Fisheries 

Ensure implementation of a framework for fisheries governance in line with the content and 
objectives  of  the  'Halieutis  Plan'  (PH)  and  with  the  common  fisheries  policy  on  the 
conservation and sustainable exploitation of fishery resources and areas of common interest.  

• 

Ensure sustainability of resources (Objective 1 of the PH): 

– 

– 

step up scientific research; 

extend the total authorised catch (TAC) fisheries management system; 

EN 

42 

   EN 

– 

– 

– 

modernise the fleet and adapt the fishing effort; 

continue efforts to stamp out illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing; 

stimulate development of aquaculture. 

• 

Optimise production (Objective 2 of the PH): 

– 

– 

modernise port infrastructure and landing sites dedicated to fishing; 

ensure the effective management of port areas. 

• 

Enhance  the  added  value  of  fishery  products  and  their  marketing  conditions 
(Objectives 2 and 3 PH): 

– 

– 

– 

– 

facilitate manufacturers' access to quality raw materials; 

stimulate  diversification  and  direct  industrial  output  to  the  most  promising 
markets; 

structure and revitalise the domestic market; 

facilitate trade in fishery products to help establish the free trade area;  

• 

Mainstream cross-cutting issues:  

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

public  governance:  strengthening 
associations and encourage dialogue between different parts of the sector; 

the  consultative  role  of  professional 

legal framework: consolidation, clarification and modernisation; 

controls and surveillance: to be strengthened throughout the production chain; 

quality and hygiene: implementation of means to ensure traceability throughout 
the chain (link with 5.4); 

human  resources  and  employment:  creation  of  an  employment  observatory  in 
the  fisheries  sector  (working  conditions,  enhancing  the  status  of  women, 
measures for adaptation to the economic environment); 

– 

creation of competitive hubs. 

Convergence: To achieve these objectives Morocco, with EU support, will take account of the 
Regulation  on  the  conservation  and  sustainable  exploitation  of  fisheries  resources  under  the 
common  fisheries  policy  (Regulation  (EC)  No  2371/2002  and  related  acts)  and  of  specific 
provisions of the CFP in areas of common interest, namely: 

– 

– 

– 

integration of the environmental dimension;  

controls, monitoring and surveillance;  

support for research. 

EN 

43 

   EN 

Implementation  of  the  Halieutis  Plan  in  accordance  with  the  objective  of  regulatory 
convergence, mainly focusing on the sustainability of fishery resources 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

(a) 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Continue  adoption  and  implementation  of  an  appropriate  new  legal  framework 
integrating  European  rules  to  stamp  out  IUU  fishing  into  Moroccan  legislation,  in 
particular Council Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008 of 29 September 2008 establishing 
a  Community  system  to  prevent,  deter  and  eliminate  illegal,  unreported  and 
unregulated fishing.  

Develop  capacity  for  monitoring  and  checking  fishing  activities  and  the  legal 
movement of fishery products along the supply chain. Such capacity entails: 

– 

– 

– 

human resources trained for this purpose;  

means for the electronic management of data consistent with the standards of 
the EU, the main recipient of Moroccan fishery products; 

satellite tracking of the position of fishing vessels. 

Continue the adoption and implementation of a legal framework for the preservation 
of the marine environment and prevention of pollution. 

Provide the National Fisheries Research Institute (INRH) responsible for monitoring 
the quality of the marine environment with appropriate equipment and research and 
monitoring resources.  

Developing  the  aquaculture  industry  and  supporting  the  institution  responsible 
(National  Agency  for  the  Development  of  Aquaculture)  by  the  adoption  of  a  legal 
framework  that  offers  incentives  and  complies  with  international  standards  for  the 
protection of the environment will encourage investment in this area. 

Continue modernisation of the fishing fleet without increasing fishing capacity. 

Ensure the implementation of and full compliance with the standards adopted in the 
framework  of  international  and  regional  fisheries  management  organisations, 
including  the  International  Commission  for  the  Conservation  of  Atlantic  Tunas 
(ICCAT) and the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM). 

Help regulate the fishing effort to match the level of resource exploitation. 

Encourage the use of selective fishing gear. 

Help prevent pollution by vessels. 

Implement training and health standards and requirements for seafarers. 

Step up search and rescue at sea. 

6.6 

Freedom of establishment, company law, accounting and auditing 

Establishment 

EN 

44 

   EN 

Facilitate establishment and improve the business environment 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Promote an environment propitious for business by specifically addressing reform of 
the judicial system, simplification of procedures and reducing red tape. 

Implement measures to support the creation of online businesses. 

Strengthen  the  Moroccan  Investment  Development  Agency  and  make  it  the  focal 
point for foreign investment.. 

Establish  regular  dialogue  with  representatives  of  foreign  investors  to  improve  the 
conditions of establishment. 

Strengthen cooperation with Euromed investment promotion agencies. 

Convergence: to achieve these objectives, Morocco will focus on: 

– 

– 

– 

– 
simplification  of  administrative  procedures  (ensuring  that  the  administrative 
procedures  governing  access  to  and  exercise  of  service  activities  are  transparent, 
proportionate  and  based  on  objective  criteria  in  order  to  provide  predictability  and 
legal certainty to service providers); 

– 
supporting  service  providers  in  fulfilling  their  administrative  obligations  (by 
improving  the  information  available  or  setting  up  one-stop  shops  for  service 
providers); 

the  widespread  introduction  of  the  e-regulation  system  in  all  Morocco's 

– 
Regional Investment Centres.  

Company law 

Harmonisation of company law to protect all parties and facilitate business activity  

• 

• 

• 

• 

Improve  the  protection  of  shareholders  and  other  parties  in  accordance  with 
European standards and practices in this area. 

Finalise  the  code  of  good  governance  for  different  types  of  enterprise  and  public 
entity  in  accordance  with  European  and  international  standards  and  monitor 
implementation of all existing codes. 

Continue  support  for  the  Moroccan  Institute  of  Directors  (IMA)  to  raise  awareness 
of, channel and disseminate the principles of good corporate governance (meetings, 
discussion forums, website, etc.) and to ensure intelligence gathering and research on 
corporate governance (publications, studies, observatory of corporate governance). 

Finalise the modernisation of the business register and the system of publication in 
the official bulletin to inform third parties. 

Convergence: to achieve these objectives Morocco, with the support of the EU, will take into 
account European standards of company law for regulatory convergence. 

Accounting and Auditing 

EN 

45 

   EN 

Application of European and international accounting and auditing standards, in particular 
for listed companies 

• 

• 

Continue efforts to promote a high-quality audit profession. 

Continue  measures  undertaken  to  promote  the  adoption  and  implementation  of 
European  and  international  accounting  and  auditing  standards  for  listed  companies, 
in particular: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

the Fourth Council Directive of 25 July 1978 based on Article 54(3)(g) of the 
Treaty on the annual accounts of certain types of companies (78/660/EEC); 

the Seventh Council Directive of 13 June 1983 based on Article 54(3)(g) of the 
Treaty on consolidated accounts (83/349/EEC); 

Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council 
of 19 July 2002 on the application of international accounting standards; 

Directive  2006/43/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  on 
statutory audit of annual accounts and consolidated accounts. 

6.7 Services, financial services and postal services 

Continue developing Morocco's service sectors  

• 

• 

• 

• 

Align Moroccan legislation with EU legislation on general or sectoral regulation with 
the aim of harmonising Moroccan legislation with that of the EU. 

Promote expansion of e-commerce. 

Build up evaluation capacity for traded services. 

On the basis of the framework provided for in the Protocol on trade in services and 
establishment,  facilitate  discussions  on  mutual  recognition  of  professional 
qualifications to facilitate the mobility of service providers. 

Convergence: to achieve these objectives, Morocco will take account of:  

– 

– 

Directive 2000/31/EC on e-commerce; 

Directive  2006/123  on  services  in  the  Internal  Market  (work  on  one-shop  stops, 
systematic  application  of  the  principles  of  administrative  simplification  and 
electronic  administrative  procedures  undertaken  for  the  transposition  of  Directive 
2006/123). 

Financial services 

Continue reform of regulation and supervision of financial services (banking, insurance and 
capital markets) by alignment on European standards (financial sector identified as a priority 
for convergence) 

• 

Continue implementation of Basel II and amendments (Basel III). 

EN 

46 

   EN 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Maintain an adequate system of bank deposit protection. 

Continue  strengthening  the  prudential  regulatory  framework  for  financial  markets 
that are converging on that of the EU.  

Further  strengthening  of  the  powers,  effectiveness  and  independence  of  the 
authorities  supervising  financial  institutions,  financial  markets  and  insurance 
companies  in  accordance  with  international  standards,  and  development  of 
macro-prudential supervision. 

Strengthen the institutional and regulatory framework in order to develop insurance 
and securities markets 

Further strengthening of the effectiveness and credibility of financial supervision in 
accordance  with  the  recommendations  of  the  IMF’s  Financial  Sector  Assessment 
Programme (FSAP). 

Convergence:  To  achieve  these  objectives  Morocco  will  take  account  of  the  EU  acquis 
(following  analysis  of  the  differences  and  an  assessment  of  priorities  on  the  basis  of  a 
cost/benefit  analysis  of  convergence,  and  in  view  of  the  means  necessary  to  ensure  this 
convergence. See Annex II.) 

Postal services 

Continue development of Morocco's postal sector 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Exchange  experience  and  expertise  on  postal  regulation,  also  with  a  view  to 
convergence with the EU's regulatory framework. 

Exchange of experiences with the aim of improving the quality of services. 

Exchange  of  experiences  and  expertise  to  enhance  the  capacity  to  evaluate  postal 
markets and growth opportunities offered by e-commerce. 

Establish  clear  rules  on  authorisations  granted  to  a  service  provider  working  in  a 
postal segment open to competition 

Work  towards  the  establishment  of  clear  rules  for  the  'universal  service':  the 
permanent  provision  of  a  postal  service  of  a  specified  quality  at  all  points  of  the 
territory of a party at affordable prices for users, specifying the terms of its financing. 

Ensure  that  the  decisions  of  the  regulatory  authority  and  the  procedures  it  uses  are 
impartial with respect to all market participants and prevent anticompetitive practices 
in all postal and courier markets. 

Work towards the establishment, as soon as possible, of a regulatory authority legally 
distinct from any provider of postal and courier services and not linked with any such 
supplier. 

Convergence:  Directive  97/67/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of 
15 December  on  common  rules  for  the  development  of  the  internal  market  of  Community 

EN 

47 

   EN 

postal  services  and  the  improvement  of  quality  of  services,  as  amended  by  Directive 
2002/39/EC and Directive 2008/06/EC. 

6.8 

Capital movements and current payments 

Progress towards the gradual opening of the capital account 

• 

• 

• 

Progress towards the gradual opening of the capital account.  

Exchange of best practices on the transition to a fully open capital account.  

Establishment of a mechanism to monitor the movement of capital.  

6.9 

Public procurement 

Improve the transparency and effectiveness of procedures for the award of public  contracts 
and concessions 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Continue  alignment  of  Moroccan  legislation  on  European  standards  to  ensure 
openness, transparency, equal access to information and competition. 

Establish  an  effective  and  independent  dispute-settlement  system  for  procurement 
procedures. 

Continue  modernisation  of  the  procedures  for  administering  managing  and 
monitoring 
in 
implementing electronic procedures. 

the  performance  of  public  contracts, 

in  particular  progress 

Standardise  the  procurement  procedures  of  public  institutions  and  undertakings 
specifically  designed  to  meet  general-interest  needs  that  are  not  of  an  industrial  or 
commercial nature. 

Improve  purchasing  schemes  for  network  operators  in  the  water,  energy,  transport 
and postal sectors. 

Implement  effective  training  for  buyers/authorising  officers  of  national  and  local 
governments,  and  of  officials  responsible  for  reviewing  contract  award  and 
performance. 

Convergence:  

• 

• 

For  procedures 
Directives 2004/17/EC and 2004/18/EC. 

the 

for 

award  of  public  contracts  and  concessions, 

For  improving  the  effectiveness  of  review  procedures  for  the  award  of  public 
contracts  and  concessions,  Directives  89/665/EEC  and  92/13/EEC  as  amended  by 
Directive 2007/66/EC. 

6.10 

Competition policy 

Establish  a  modern  framework  for  competition  policy  and  build  up  the  implementation 
capacity of the competition regulators  

EN 

48 

   EN 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Reform  Law  No  6/99  in  order  to  strengthen  the  existing  institutional  competition 
machinery  by  giving  a  single  institution  (the  Competition  Council,  a  new 
constitutional body) full powers to apply competition policy, managerial autonomy, 
self-initiative powers with the possibility of carrying out investigations under judicial 
control and coercive decision-making powers, with the possibility of issuing binding 
rather than merely advisory opinions.  

Bolster  administrative  capacity  for  the  implementation  of  competition  law  and 
identify  possible  cooperation  measures  (technical  market  analysis,  conducting 
competition investigations, merger control, dispute settlement).  

Coordination  and  cooperation  between  the  competition  authority  and  sectoral 
regulators,  while  reserving  the  Competition  Council's  exclusive  jurisdiction  for 
dealing with anti-competitive practices and merger control. 

Ensure specialist training for judges dealing with competition cases and appeals. 

Promote the gradual implementation of the current Moroccan framework legislation, 
including  respect  for  the  principles  of  non-discrimination,  transparency  and 
procedural fairness.  

6.10.1  State aid 

Reach a common definition of state aid, exemptions, and the role of state aid in competition 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Regular updating of reports. 

Place emphasis on a better definition of and methodology for state-aid accounting. 

Step up exchanges of information on state aid and direct budget support and assess 
their impact on competition. 

Establish  a  common  definition  of  state  aid  and  its  compatibility  with  competition 
principles. 

6.11 

Intellectual and industrial property 

Ensure a gradual alignment of provisions to reach the level of protection provided by the EU 
and  strengthen  their  effective  implementation,  taking  into  account  the  harmonisation  of 
national legislation with the WTO agreement on the protection of intellectual property rights 
(TRIPS) 

Specific objectives 

• 

Alignment of Moroccan legislation on that of the EU3: 

– 

identify  existing  differences  in  the  field  of  industrial  property  rights  (patents, 
designs, trademarks, etc.); 

3 

Gradual alignment on Directive 2004/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 
2004 on the enforcement of intellectual property rights and Regulation 1383/2003 concerning customs 
action. 

EN 

49 

   EN 

                                                 
– 

– 

draw  up  and  adopt  legislation  for  legislative  approximation,  in  particular 
covering  patents,  designs  and  trade  marks  (see  ongoing  cooperation  with  the 
European Patent Office (EPO)); 

analyse  existing  differences  in  copyright  and  related  rights  and  develop  and 
implement legislation incorporating this necessary legislative alignment. 

• 

Administrative and judicial capacity building: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

step  up  the  implementation  of  intellectual  property  rights,  deterrence  and 
effective law enforcement (justice, customs, etc.); 

pursue and develop the objectives of the Moroccan Industrial and Commercial 
Property Office (OMPIC) in the period up to 2015; 

identification  of  needs  and  training,  analysis  and  improvement  of  IT  systems 
and information gathering (OMPIC);  

needs analysis and administrative capacity-building of the Moroccan Copyright 
Bureau (BMDA); 

continue  collaboration  with  the  EPO  and  the  EU's  Trade  Marks  and  Designs 
Registration Office(OHIM); 

• 

Coordination,  cooperation  and  awareness-raising  in  the  fight  against  counterfeiting 
and piracy: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

step  up  efforts  to  ensure  effective  implementation  of  intellectual  property 
rights, including reinforced judicial monitoring; 

continue  efforts  on  the  ground  and  increase  resources  to  stamp  out 
counterfeiting  and  piracy  by  endowing  customs  and  the  judiciary  greater 
administrative capacity and powers; 

analyse  and  evaluate  the  impact  of  counterfeiting  and  piracy  on  national 
creativity and innovation;  

sensitise public opinion to the importance of intellectual property rights for the 
country's economic growth; 

cooperation  with  the  private  sector  and  other  relevant  institutions  and  regular 
action against counterfeiting and piracy (Action Plan of the National Industrial 
Property  and  Anti-Counterfeiting  Committee/CONPIAC),  dialogue  with 
associations, etc.). 

• 

Cooperation and negotiations: 

– 

– 

conclude negotiations on a validation agreement with the EPO; 

continue and step up cooperation with agencies of the Member States and other 
countries and with OMPIC;  

EN 

50 

   EN 

– 

– 

cooperate in implementing the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) 
and in coordinating the fight against counterfeiting; 

continue  alignment  of  Moroccan  legislation  on  that  of  Europe,  finalise 
accession  to  agreements  provided  for  in  Article  39  of  the  Association 
Agreement  and  implement  principles  of  the  Euro-Mediterranean  Charter  for 
Enterprise concerning innovation. 

Convergence:  to  achieve  these  objectives,  Morocco  will  take  account  of:  the  existing  EU 
acquis; See Annex II.  

6.12 

Customs 

Further  capacity-building  of  customs  administrations  and  harmonisation  of  customs 
legislation  with  international  and  EU  standards  and  continued  implementation  of  customs 
measures facilitating trade while also ensuring the security of the international supply chain  

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Implement the procedure for mutual recognition of Authorised Economic Operators 
(AEO): 

analyse AEO procedure and status in Morocco;  

step  up  dialogue  on  the  AEO  system  on  the  basis  of  the  analysis  of  the  AEO 
procedure and status in Morocco with a view to mutual recognition of AEOs. 

Continue work on coordinated management with other border stakeholders (one-stop 
shop). 

Conclude  Regional  Convention  on  pan-Euro-Mediterranean  preferential  rules  of 
origin, followed by its implementation. 

Morocco's  association  and  participation  upstream  in  the  revision  of  the  pan-Euro-
Mediterranean rules of origin contained in the Convention. 

Reform of the control chain: 

– 

– 

– 

improve  ex  ante  controls  through  the  organisation  of  workshops,  visits  to 
operational  pilot  units,  access  to  business  information  and  the  creation  of 
databases on the movements of means of transport and goods; 

improve  the  ex  post  control  system  through  the  use  of  best  practices  and  the 
provision of technical resources in the form of dedicated applications; 

increase Moroccan Customs' use of computerised risk analysis and exchanges 
of computerised trade data (Globally Networked Customs); 

Develop  public/private  partnership,  particularly  in  the  framework  of  the  Integrity 
Observatory to give this body an effective role on the basis of the principles of the 
Arusha Declaration of the World Customs Organisation (WCO). 

Apply and regularly adapt the Combined Nomenclature. 

EN 

51 

   EN 

• 

Implement  Morocco's  participation  in  the  Community  'Customs  2013'  Programme 
and all future customs programmes open to third countries.  

6.13 

Enterprise policy  

Morocco undertakes to implement the Euro-Mediterranean Charter for Enterprise, which has 
become a common reference document for the Mediterranean countries, including Morocco, 
with  the  aim  of  improving  the  investment  climate,  stimulating  entrepreneurial  spirit,  and 
promoting investment and market access in the Euro-Mediterranean region.  

Improve  the  climate  and  conditions  for  the  development  of  competitive  businesses  and 
investment promotion 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

4 

the  business  environment  and  continue 

Improve 
the 
Euro-Mediterranean  Charter  for  Enterprise,  taking  into  account  the  findings  of  the 
joint assessment carried out in 2008 on the basis of 77 indicators concerning the ten 
dimensions  of  the  Charter4.  Strive  to  make  progress  in  the  following  areas  in 
particular: 

implementation  of 

– 

– 

– 

– 

regulatory reform and administrative simplification;  

access to financing; 

innovation policy;  

human capital (learning entrepreneurship and developing skills). 

Encourage  interministerial  coordination  and  coordination  of  all  actors  in  the  public 
and  private  sectors  involved  in  business  development  and  the  promotion  of 
innovation.  

Encourage  the  work  of  the  National  Business  Environment  Committee  (CNEA), 
which  as  a  public-private  partnership  framework  has  helped  to  speed  up  the 
identification  and  implementation  of  reforms  affecting  the  business  environment, 
particularly  simpler  and  more 
the 
modernisation  of  the  legal  environment  for  business,  and  improved  commercial 
dispute-settlement arrangements. 

transparent  administrative  procedures, 

Establish regional business environment committees. 

Jointly assess progress in the country and  the benefits  for companies taking part in 
regional activities to evaluate and benchmark progress based on common indicators. 

Revise the Euro-Mediterranean Charter for Enterprise to better take into account the 
needs  of  small  and  medium  enterprises  (SMEs)  taking  inspiration  from  the  Small 
Business  Act  for  Europe.  Pay  special  attention  to  gender  equality,  corporate  social 
responsibility and environmental protection. 

Simple  procedures  for  business,  education  and  training  in  entrepreneurship,  improved  skills,  easier 
access  to  finance  and  investment-friendly  taxation,  improved  market  access,  innovation,  strong 
professional  associations,  good  quality  systems  and  support  services  for  businesses,  Euro-
Mediterranean partnerships and networks, and clear and targeted information for businesses; 

EN 

52 

   EN 

                                                 
• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Improve welcome for investors and anchor local investment. 

Develop  industrial,  commercial  and  technology  infrastructure,  including  innovation 
zones and promotion of clusters.  

Create an environment conducive to the development of research and innovation. 

Improve access to industrial land by facilitating property transactions and granting of 
building permits. 

Mobilise  local  businesses  around  foreign  investment  to  stimulate  innovation  and 
domestic economic development. 

Encourage the setting-up and work of the Moroccan Centre for Innovation (CMI). 

Create the status of 'new innovative undertaking' and 'auto-entrepreneur'. 

Increase support for all small enterprises (VSEs) as part of a national strategy for this 
category of enterprise. 

Improve  judicial  remedies  for  enterprises  (including  SMEs)  by  developing 
alternative methods of dispute settlement (mediation and arbitration). 

Improve  the  quality  and  delivery  time  of  judicial  decisions  issued  by  commercial 
courts. 

Strengthen  cooperation  with  Mediterranean  partners  to  fight  against  counterfeiting 
and piracy, including exchanges of information and experience in this field.  

Implementation and deployment by the National Agency for the promotion of small 
and medium-sized enterprises (ANPME) of the Morocco SME Observatory as a tool 
for analysis and monitoring of the business fabric. 

6.14 

Industrial cooperation  

Make research capital more attractive 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Promote technology transfers and industrial partnership. 

Set  up  zones  for  business  incubators  and  spin-off  activities  with  R&D  support  in 
potential growth sectors for Morocco. 

Encourage twinning and partnerships with European clusters. 

Increase  exchanges  of  experiences  and  best  practices  in  research  and  development 
and industrial innovation, including aspects related to the establishment of clusters, 
technology platforms and technology parks on the lines of innovation zones. 

Develop  partnership  initiatives  to  support  the  emergence  and  development  of 
industrial activities related to renewable energy a part of the national energy strategy. 

Continue dialogue on the future of the textile/clothing industry 

EN 

53 

   EN 

• 

• 

Continue to step up exchanges of best practices among national authorities, industry 
associations,  companies,  research  centres  and  other  social  partners  involved  in  the 
Euro-Mediterranean region's textiles and clothing industry.  

Intensify  discussions  not  only  on  the  challenges  facing  the  textiles  and  clothing 
sector  but  also  on  possible  future  options  and  concrete  actions  to  modernise  the 
industry and increase industrial competitiveness in textiles and clothing in the Euro-
Mediterranean region. 

Promote dialogue on industry 

• 

• 

Step  up  exchanges  of  good  practices  and  discussions  between  national  partners 
involved  in  industry,  not  only  on  the  challenges  faced  by  industry  but  also  on 
possible  future  directions  and  concrete  actions  to  modernise  the  national  industrial 
fabric and increase Morocco's industrial competitiveness. 

Strengthen dialogue in several sectors and/or areas related to industrial policy such as 
SME policy, tourism, space, raw materials, standardisation and ACAA. 

Promote the sustainable development of enterprises 

• 

Promote  the  transfer  of  technologies  and  good  management  and  restructuring 
practices and the sharing of expertise in order to support the development efforts of 
Moroccan companies. 

Implement  regional  work  programmes  of  Euro-Mediterranean  industrial  cooperation  and 
monitor them with Morocco's participation 

• 

Involvement in Euro-Mediterranean industrial cooperation at regional level.  

6.15 

Consumer protection 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Continue Morocco's legislative alignment on the EU acquis and finalise its legislative 
framework for consumer protection. 

Build  administrative  capacity  for  the  effective  and  practical  application  of  the 
consumer protection policy, including the High Consumer Council and the Moroccan 
Consumer Centre. 

Morocco's  continued  promotion  of  independent  Moroccan  consumer  protection 
associations  and  setting-up  of  a  fund  to  finance  projects  proposed  by  Moroccan 
consumer associations. 

Establishment of the Moroccan Consumer Centre. 

6.16  Workers and social security coordination  

Fully implement the commitments made under the Association Agreement concerning workers 
and social security coordination 

• 

Implement social security coordination arrangements in accordance with the existing 
legislation.  

EN 

54 

   EN 

• 

• 

ensure  that  provisions  on  equal  treatment  at  work,  remuneration  and  dismissal  are 
fully implemented, both for Moroccan workers and legally employed EU nationals. 

ensure  full  application  of  the  clause  on  non-discrimination  in  the  area  of  social 
security for workers and members of their families; 

6.17 

Statistics 

Complete harmonisation of Moroccan standards with European and International standards 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Adopt  and  implement  draft  laws  on  statistics  and  continue  implementation  of  the 
2013-2017 action plan. 

Continue work to harmonise statistical data and methods to ensure the compatibility 
of statistics with EU best practice.  

Continue quantitative and qualitative improvement and development of the national 
statistics system. 

Establish an observatory on industry, trade and new technologies and an innovation 
observatory. 

Cooperation  between  the  Moroccan  Exchange  Office  and  European  institutions 
responsible for drawing up balance-of-payments statistics. 

7. 

TRANSPORT,  ENERGY,  ENVIRONMENT,  INFORMATION  SOCIETY, 
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 

7.1 

Transport and infrastructure 

7.1.1  Develop the infrastructure network (roads, motorways, airports, ports and links 

to Trans-European networks) 

Implement  the  national  transport  and  infrastructure  policy  by  creating  a  good  quality, 
efficient, competitive and sustainable transport system based on the following: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Consolidate and enhance the policy to develop and maintain transport infrastructure 
and  to  link  them  with  regional  networks,  including  the  Trans-European  Transport 
Network (TEN-T), also encouraging private participation in the sector. 

Make  the  Moroccan  economy  logistically  competitive,  in  particular  by  establishing 
logistic areas, developing stakeholders and human resources, and optimising the flow 
of goods. 

Promote mobility and sustainable transport by developing efficient transport systems 
that preserve the environment and ensure the safety of property and people. 

Promote the harmonisation of legislative and regulatory frameworks with European 
and international standards in the field of transport. 

EN 

55 

   EN 

• 

Develop  a  national  framework  for  the  formulation  and  monitoring  of  sustainable 
urban development plans for users and freight in the major cities. 

Regional aspect  

• 

• 

• 

Continue  participation  in  the  planning  exercise  for  transport  infrastructure  in  the 
Mediterranean, in particular the future Trans-Mediterranean Transport Network and 
work  on  establishing  the  means  for  implementing  it,  plus  improving  links  with  the 
Trans-European Transport Network. 

Continue participation in the development of satellite augmentation systems, global 
navigation systems, and applications based on this technology in the Mediterranean 
region and in the new regional Euromed GNSS II satellite navigation project. 

Take  the  necessary  facilitation  measures,  in  accordance  with  Regional  Transport 
Action Plan (RTAP), to improve the functioning of the transport network in order to 
improve traffic flows between Morocco, regional partners and the EU. 

7.1.2  Road transport and road safety 

Implement selected measures and reforms concerning road transport and road safety  

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Explore  the  possibility  of  opening  the  'Interbus'  agreement  to  Morocco  in  order  to 
harmonise  its  international  road  passenger  transport  practices  and  rules  with 
European  standards  and  promote  their  application  between  Morocco  and  EU 
countries. 

Develop an integrated intermodal public transport system.  

Promote European and international road safety standards. 

Implement a certification scheme for both passenger and goods transport in order to 
ensure equal treatment in the freight sector and stimulate public passenger transport.  

Strengthen  the  capacity  of  bodies  to  implement  social-law  standards  and  technical 
requirements  in  accordance  with  international  and  EU  conventions  on  the  transport 
of dangerous goods, the deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems and driving and 
rest times.  

7.1.3  Rail transport 

Implement selected measures and reforms in the rail transport sector 

• 

• 

Promote the interoperability of Moroccan and European rail networks. 

Cooperate  on  the  deployment  of  the  European  Rail  Traffic  Monitoring  System 
(ERTMS) in order to reach international standards and further improve the safety of 
rail traffic.  

Regional aspect  

EN 

56 

   EN 

• 

• 

Explore  the  benefits  of  regional  cooperation  in  order  to  improve  the  efficiency, 
safety, and interoperability of land transport services (road, rail and urban).  

Continue the harmonisation of legislative and regulatory frameworks with European 
and international standards at regional level.  

7.1.4  Air transport 

Implement selected measures and reforms in air transport  

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Continue implementation of the existing national aviation policy and revise aviation 
regulation by adopting the draft civil aviation code.  

Ensure  implementation  of  all  parts  of  the  2006  Euro-Mediterranean  Aviation 
Agreement, in particular as regards the process of regulatory convergence provided 
for in the Agreement. 

Cooperate  closely  in  the  field  of  aviation  security,  including  implementation  of  a 
safety-equipment  development  programme  to  improve  radar  coverage  and  the 
performance of the automatic air-traffic control system.  

As part of the process of regulatory convergence under the 2006 Euro-Mediterranean 
Aviation Agreement, explore the possibility of Morocco's participation in the Single 
European  Sky.  To  this  end,  Morocco's  speedy  participation  in  the  'Single  Sky' 
committee will be discussed. 

Continue cooperation on air traffic management.  

Pursue Morocco's progressive participation in the EU Safety Assessment Of Foreign 
Aircraft  (SAFA)  programme  following  the  working  arrangement  signed  with  the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on 23 March 2011. 

Initiate  dialogue  with  the  EU  to  put  in  place  arrangements  to  facilitate  access  to 
disabled aircraft removal equipment at Morocco's international airports. 

Initiate  dialogue  with  the  EU  to  find  a  process  to  bring  aircraft  rescue  and 
firefighting (ARFF) staff up to international and/or European standards, especially in 
the  choice  and  purchase  of  rescue  and  firefighting  equipment  and  in  staff  training, 
qualifications and/or certification.  

Regional aspect  

• 

• 

• 

Continue the harmonisation of legislative and regulatory frameworks with European 
and international standards at regional level.  

Continue cooperation with the EU and Mediterranean partners through participation 
in the regional Euromed Aviation project. 

Continue  cooperation  and  assistance  on  safety  issues  through  the  Mediterranean 
Aviation Safety Cell (MASC) within the EASA. 

EN 

57 

   EN 

7.1.5  Maritime transport 

Implement selected measures and reforms in the maritime sector 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Step up cooperation with the EU in order to align Moroccan maritime safety policy 
on that of the EU. 

Develop a dialogue on the development of port infrastructure, improvement of port 
services,  harmonisation  of  port  procedures,  the  management  and  planning  of  the 
maritime  space,  maritime  and  port  security  and  safety,  and  improved  shipping 
services between the EU and Morocco, including motorways of the sea. 

Apply effective maritime security measures by implementing Port State Control and 
Flag  State  systems  and  build  institutional  capacity  in  maritime  administration  to 
enable  it  to  assume  its  responsibilities  in  the  areas  of  security,  safety  and  maritime 
pollution prevention and control.  

Implement IMO (International Maritime Organisation) international conventions and 
resolutions of the Marine Environment Protection Committee.  

For  ports  identified  as  ports  of  motorways  of  the  sea,  ensure  fast,  efficient  and 
inexpensive  administrative  procedures  (administrative  procedures  and  coordination 
of  inspections) and high standards of service (port infrastructure, port services, and 
maritime and intermodal services).  

Resume  dialogue  with  the  Commission  on  development  of  a  cooperation  plan, 
including  capacity  building,  pollution  prevention  and  control  in  the  Mediterranean, 
with  a  view  to  Morocco's  participation  in  the  European  Maritime  Safety  Agency 
(EMSA).  

Regional aspect  

• 

• 

Continue  participation  in  regional  cooperation  on  maritime  policy,  ports  and  short 
sea shipping.  

the 
Continue  cooperation  with 
International  Maritime  Organisation  and  continue  participation  in  the  Euromed 
regional projects on maritime safety and security (SAFEMED) and the Motorways of 
the Sea (MEDAMOS).  

the  EU  and  Mediterranean  partners  within 

7.1.6 

Supply chain 

Implement selected measures and reforms in the logistics sector 

• 

• 

Continue  implementation  of  the  new  national  development  strategy  for  logistic 
competitiveness. 

Establish  a  dialogue  on  the  supply  chain  with  the  aim  of  involving  Morocco  in 
actions to improve the supply chain and its security launched by the EU in 2007. 

EN 

58 

   EN 

7.1.7  Transport professions 

(cid:121) 

Initiate dialogue with the EU in order to establish mutual recognition of professional 
licenses for transport professions, including seafaring and flight crews. 

Convergence: to achieve these objectives Morocco, with the support of the EU, will take into 
account European standards for road, rail, air, and maritime transport and the ports sector. 

7.2 

Energy  

Step  up  dialogue  and  convergence  of  energy  policies  and  institutional  and  legislative 
frameworks with a view to the progressive integration of Morocco's energy market in that of 
the EU, taking into account environmental issues in particular. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Implement energy strategies that are increasingly aligned on EU strategies and based 
on the objectives of security of supply, competitiveness and sustainable energy.  

Continue formulating and implementing low CO2 emission development strategies. 

Implement  Morocco's  medium  and  long-term  energy  strategy  (2020-2030)  and  the 
National Priority Action Plan. 

Step up the existing dialogue on energy under the Association Agreement. 

Develop  and  implement  a  2020  vision  to  strengthen  institutions,  especially  the 
Ministry of Energy and Mines, including its regional dimension. 

Strengthen  the  monitoring  and  intelligence  system  with  a  view  to  better  energy 
forecasting and planning, including energy statistics, in particular through exchanges 
of  information  and  expertise  and  capacity  building  with  the  aim  of  alignment  on 
European standards. 

Exchanges  of  expertise  and  experience  in  order  to  intensify  and  accelerate  policy 
convergence  with  the  Community  acquis,  particularly  as  regards  the  gas  and 
electricity  sectors,  practices  and  legislative,  institutional,  organisational,  technical 
and regulatory frameworks for the sector energy.  

• 

Energy diversification:  

– 

– 

cooperation  to  establish  the  necessary  conditions  for  developing  the  use  of 
natural  gas:  legislative  and  regulatory  framework,  and  technical  and  support 
services;  

cooperation  to  develop  alternative  energy  sources:  technical  research  and 
development into oil shale and shale gas. 

Establish  the  national  energy  regulation  scheme,  in  particular  for  electricity  and 
natural gas, and gradually converge with the EU's electricity and gas Directives. To 
that end, adopt electricity and gas codes and their implementing rules. 

Continue  reform  of  the  electricity  and  gas  markets  in  order  to  improve  their 
performance and gradually liberalise them in line with the EU acquis. 

59 

   EN 

• 

• 

EN 

Stepping up regional energy cooperation. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Strengthen Morocco's role in regional energy cooperation, particularly with an eye to 
implementation of the Mediterranean Solar Plan, in line with the 2008-2013 Priority 
Action Plan of the Euro-Mediterranean Energy Partnership and with the objectives of 
the Union for the Mediterranean. 

Continue cooperation in regional initiatives and projects. 

Consolidate  and  strengthen  existing  interconnections  and  transit  infrastructure  in 
Morocco  in  order  to  connect  the  electricity  and  gas  networks  of  the  northern  and 
southern Mediterranean. 

Gradually integrate the electricity markets of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. 

Build Moroccan capacity for regional storage of energy products.  

Facilitate  the  funding  of  energy  infrastructure:  gradual  alignment  of  the  Moroccan 
system on EU practices, in particular the storage of energy products. 

Cooperation on nuclear safety 

• 

• 

• 

Cooperation  to  establish  the  necessary  conditions  for  developing  a  civil  nuclear 
electricity  programme:  exchange  of  information  and  experiences,  provisions  on 
nuclear safety and radiological protection. 

Exchange  of  expertise  and  experience  for  the  purpose  of  developing  a  regulatory 
framework aligned on EU rules and practices, and in particular ensuring the highest 
levels of nuclear safety and adequate protection against ionising radiation.  

Cooperation to set up in Morocco an independent national agency to monitor nuclear 
safety and radiation protection. 

Promotion of energy efficiency 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Continue  energy  efficiency  actions  under  the  National  Priority  Action  Programme, 
especially in industry, housing, public buildings, transport and tourism.  

Strengthen the institutional and organisational framework, including the Agency for 
the Development of Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency. 

Implement  regulatory  measures  converging  towards  EU  rules  and  the  necessary 
incentives,  innovative  financing  mechanisms  (third-party  investor,  CDM,  etc.)  and 
education, awareness and communication measures. 

Participation in the EU's Intelligent Energy Programme. 

Development and use of renewable energy sources  

• 

Achieve national renewable energy-development goals and implement the Moroccan 
Solar Plan and the Moroccan Wind Energy Project.  

EN 

60 

   EN 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Continue  large-scale  and  small-scale  actions  to  develop  renewable  energy  (solar 
water  heaters,  on-  and  off-grid  photovoltaics,  biomass,  etc.)  and  export  of  green 
electricity, including incentives and innovative financing mechanisms 

Strengthen  the  institutional  and  organisational  framework,  and  draw  up  and 
implement action plans in these areas for convergence towards EU rules. 

Develop national biomass capacity. 

Cooperate on research, development and innovation for sustainable development.  

Establish centres and institutes conducting research and development into sustainable 
energy  technologies,  energy  efficiency  and  renewable  energy:  decide  on  research 
topics; set up research units; improve skills. 

Strengthen the academic curriculum of training institutes under the responsibility of 
the Ministry of Energy in these areas. 

Implement  platforms  of  excellence  and  technology  parks  bringing  together 
innovative companies, research centres and training organisations, particularly in the 
fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency and desalination of sea water through 
the use of solar energy.  

Deploy  nationwide  technologies  and  materials  that  promote  energy  efficiency  and 
renewable  energy,  including  the  development  of  industrial  clusters  and  the 
implementation of research and development programmes. 

Safeguarding and checking energy facilities 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Enhance  the  safety  and  security  of  energy  installations  and  equipment  and  of  the 
system of technical inspections and risk prevention for such installations. 

Exchanges of experience and expertise with a view to building technical capacity in 
the Ministry of Energy's energy laboratory, particularly with regard to hydrocarbon 
quality control. 

Exchanges of experiences and expertise concerning the certification of the Ministry 
of Energy's energy laboratory. 

Cooperate  on  the  implementation  of  a  risk  prevention  and  control  strategy  in  the 
energy and mining sectors and for explosives and pressure equipment. 

7.3 

Mining  

Step up cooperation and partnerships for development of the mining sector 

• 

• 

EN 

Build  capacity  for  mining  regulation,  development  of  small-scale  mining,  mining 
operations  and  exploration,  management  of  mining  and  geological  assets, 
development of the geological infrastructure and geographic information systems. 

Environmental protection and rehabilitation of mining sites and conversion of mining 
areas after mine closures. 

61 

   EN 

• 

• 

Set  up  and  develop  an  information  system  on  mining  and  oil  assets  and  on  mining 
statistics.  

Organise and develop the mineralogical specimens and fossils sector. 

7.4 

Environment and water  

Promote  good  environmental  governance,  including  greater  convergence  towards  EU 
legislation and policies  

Strengthen administrative structures and strategic planning 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Step  up  and  complete  the  setting-up  of  Moroccan  institutions  responsible  for 
environmental  protection,  pollution  control  and  water  management  at  central, 
regional and local levels, including greater coordination and consultation between the 
various stakeholders. 

Build  strategic  planning  capacity,  including  for  financial  strategies,  drawing  on  the 
experience of the EU. 

Create  and  render  operational  corps  of  inspectors  to  enforce  compliance  with 
environmental laws in Morocco. 

Apply  market  instruments  (such  as  environmental  taxes)  and  the  'polluter  pays' 
principle, including the setting-up of an environmental liability system. 

Environmental assessments 

• 

• 

Strengthen  environmental  impact  assessment,  including  national  and  regional 
committees  for  impact  studies  and  commissions  of  public  inquiry,  bringing  it  into 
line with EU legislation. 

Strengthen the strategic environmental assessment of plans and programmes. 

Support for civil society actors and public participation  

• 

Support civil society actors and increase public participation in environmental issues, 
drawing on the EU's experience and best practices.  

Availability of and access to information 

• 

• 

Improve  the  system  of  collecting  and  processing  environmental  information  in 
Morocco, drawing on the EU's experience and best practices. 

Enhance public access to environmental information and render effective the law on 
the  public's  right  to  access  environmental  information  and  decisions  taken  on  the 
environment.  

Communication and dissemination of information 

• 

Develop and implement communication strategies on environmental matters. 

EN 

62 

   EN 

• 

Draw  up  and  publish  regular  reports  on  the  state  of  the  environment  at  national  or 
regional levels. 

Promote  environmental  sectors,  including  alignment  and  convergence  towards  EU 
legislation and policies in this area 

Air quality  

• 

• 

Promote  better  management  of  air  quality  (limit  values,  alert 
thresholds, 
establishment and classification of areas and cities, the establishment of a system for 
monitoring  and  evaluating  air  quality)  in  order  to  improve  public  health  and 
environmental quality, drawing on EU legislation. 

Develop  and  implement action plans  to  combat air pollution, including crossborder 
pollution. 

Protection of the marine environment 

• 

• 

Promote  protection  of  the  marine  environment,  including  conservation  of  marine 
ecosystems. 

Adopt legislation on integrated coastal zone management. 

Waste management 

• 

• 

• 

Implement a national waste-management strategy.  

Promote the establishment of an integrated network of waste-management facilities, 
including industrial waste treatment centres. 

Implement  a  system  for  licensing  and  registering  waste  treatment  facilities  and  a 
system  for  inspection  and  supervision  of  these  facilities  based  on  the  principles  of 
EU legislation and professionalise the informal sector. 

Nature protection 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Continue  setting  up  a  system  of  protected  areas  based  on  EU  principles  and  best 
practices. 

Continue  implementation  of  the  strategy  to  protect  and  restore  forest  ecosystems, 
reduce  deforestation  and  continue  reforestation  operations  in  accordance  with  the 
Reforestation  Management  Plan  (PDR).  Continue  work  under  way  on  forest 
certification (Forest Stewardship Council/FSC). 

Improve  scientific  knowledge  of  the  country's  biodiversity  (species,  ecosystems, 
problems of taxonomy). 

Rehabilitate  degraded  ecosystems  and  adopt  measures  to  promote  the  recovery  of 
threatened species in partnership with the local population. 

EN 

63 

   EN 

• 

Implement  national  legislation  on  trade  in  wildlife  to  meet  obligations  under  the 
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora 
threatened with extinction. 

Pollution and industrial hazards 

• 

• 

Establish  an  integrated  system  of  prevention  and  control  of  pollution  from  large 
industrial facilities, drawing on European best practices. 

Establish  a  system  for  control  of  hazards  arising  from  major  accidents  involving 
dangerous substances, drawing on European standards and best practices. 

Chemicals 

• 

• 

Adopt  standards  on  the  registration,  evaluation  and  authorisation  of  chemical 
substances drawing on EU legislation and best practices. 

Adopt a strategy for the gradual replacement of chemicals that are most dangerous to 
human health and the environment. 

Desertification, including soil protection measures 

• 

Implement measures under the plan to combat desertification and protect the soil. 

Capacity for licensing, monitoring and inspection 

• 

Strengthen  the  administrative  capacity  of  the  Moroccan  authorities  responsible  for 
environmental  protection  and  water  management  to  carry  out  licensing,  monitoring 
and inspection. 

Environmental mainstreaming 

• 

Promote the mainstreaming of environmental considerations in other sectors such as 
water,  forests,  agriculture,  education,  energy,  transport,  fisheries,  industry  and 
research. 

Strengthening regional and international environmental cooperation 

International cooperation 

• 

Step  up  implementation  of  environmental  conventions  and  protocols  to  which 
Morocco  is  party  and  move  towards  ratification  of  additional  environmental 
conventions and protocols that are part of the EU's legal system. 

Regional cooperation 

• 

• 

EN 

Increase  cooperation  under  the  Convention  on  the  Protection  of  the  Marine 
Environment  and  the  Coastal  Region  of  the  Mediterranean  (Barcelona  Convention) 
and its protocols.  

Continue cooperation in the framework of Horizon 2020. 

64 

   EN 

• 

Increase cooperation in the context of the regional activities of the European Agency 
for the Environment, including systems of shared environmental information. 

Convergence: To implement these reforms Morocco, with EU support, will gradually take into 
account  the  relevant  European  standards  in  the  areas  of  environmental  good  governance,  air 
quality,  waste  management,  water  management  and  protection  of  the  marine  environment, 
nature protection, industrial pollution and chemicals. 

Climate change  

Step  up  and  complete  the  establishment  of  Moroccan  institutions  responsible  for 
climate issues. 

Implement the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Draw up 
and implement plans and strategies for climate-change mitigation and adaptation. 

Draw up inventories of greenhouse gas emissions. 

Cooperate  in  the  development  and  implementation  of  a  post-2012  climate  change 
regime. 

Cooperate on climate-change mitigation and adaptation. 

Cooperate on implementation of the Cancun and Durban Agreements. 

Promote  a  low-emission  development  strategy  (LED)  as  a  contribution  to  the 
development of a green economy. 

Promote appropriate national mitigation actions (NAMAs), including sectoral credit 
mechanisms. 

Promote the mainstreaming of climate change in the decision-making process. 

Conduct initial preparations for a greenhouse gas emission trading scheme. 

Integrate  climate-change priorities in agriculture: increase levels of fruit plantation; 
use  improved  seeds  and  varieties  suited  to  the  climate;  spread  water-collection 
techniques and optimise irrigation; make available the results of agricultural research 
to benefit agricultural development. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Water 

Implement the national water strategy in order to consolidate assets and ensure integrated 
water-resource management  

• 

Promote management of water demand and water efficiency by:  

– 

– 

saving  irrigation  water  through  a  wholesale  changeover  to  drip  irrigation  and 
more efficient water use in agriculture; 

implementing a wastewater treatment system for agricultural use based on the 
principles of EU legislation; 

EN 

65 

   EN 

– 

saving water used as drinking water and in industry and tourism. 

• 

Promote the preservation and protection of water resources, the natural environment 
and fragile areas by: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

protecting the quality of water resources and combating pollution; 

implementing  a  system  to  improve  the  quality  of  sewage  discharged  by 
municipalities and industry;  

safeguarding groundwater and watersheds, oases and wetlands; 

implementing  a  system  to  improve  water  quality,  including  bathing  water, 
drawing on the principles of EU law. 

• 

Reduce vulnerability to natural water-related hazards and adapt to climate change by: 

– 

– 

– 

improving flood protection for persons and property and combat the effects of 
drought through drought-management plans for river basins; 

completing  implementation  of  measures  in  the  National  Flood  Prevention 
Plan;  

improving  prevention,  in  particular  by  developing  flood-warning  systems  and 
emergency plans. 

Continue regulatory and institutional reforms by completing implementation of Law 
10/95 and revising the law to embrace aspects not covered, i.e. water saving and the 
recycling of treated wastewater. 

Modernise information systems and build up capacity and skills by: 

• 

• 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

modernising 
governance and water basin organisations; 

the  administration, 

revamping  and 

strengthening  water 

strengthening and modernising the system for collecting and processing water-
related  information  in  Morocco  by  establishing  a  national  water  information 
system, drawing on the EU's experience and best practices; 

building  the  administrative  capacity  of  the  Moroccan  authorities  responsible 
for water management in the field of water policy, issuing permits, monitoring 
and inspection, while converging towards European legislation in this field; 

developing and implementing communication strategies and awareness-raising 
on water issues; 

build strategic planning capacity, including financial strategies, drawing on the 
EU's experience.  

• 

Water-resources management and development: 

EN 

66 

   EN 

– 

Promote and develop non-conventional water resources, such as desalination of 
sea water, demineralisation of brackish water, recycling of treated wastewater 
and rainwater collection.  

7.5 

Information society 

• 

• 

Analyse the opportunities for better cooperation between the EU and Morocco on the 
information  society,  and  more  specifically  development  synergies  between  the 
'Maroc Numéric' strategy and the Digital Agenda for Europe. 

Continue  the  development  and  effective  implementation  of  a  comprehensive 
regulatory framework for electronic communications, including the authorisation of, 
access to and interconnection of networks and services, universal service and users' 
rights,  consumer  protection,  the  processing  of  personal  data  and  the  protection  of 
privacy  in  electronic  communications,  and  the  efficient  management  of  the  radio 
frequency spectrum. 

• 

Continue to develop regulation in the following priority areas: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

study the introduction of authorisation schemes for the provision of electronic 
communications services;  

make  progress  in  market  analysis,  for  example  by  analysing  the  market  for 
wholesale  (physical)  network  infrastructure  access  (including  shared  or  fully 
unbundled  access)  at  a  fixed  location,  and  wholesale  broadband  access.  The 
main  aim  is  to  ensure  the  effective  and  appropriate  implementation  of  access 
obligations  (carrier  selection  and  pre-selection,  bit-stream  access,  unbundled 
access, etc.) with respect to operators with significant power over the relevant 
markets; 

facilitate fixed and mobile portability with better implementation of the process 
(time taken for number portability between operators, service disruption period 
for  the  consumer,  maximum  contract  duration,  penalties  for  abuse  or 
anti-competitive behaviour, etc.); 

ensure  the  effective  implementation  of  measures  regarding  the  confidentiality 
of electronic communications and unsolicited communications (spam). 

Formulate  and  implement  arrangements  for  improving  the  security  of  information 
systems  and  protecting  critical  data  and  infrastructure;  promote  robust  and  stable 
networks and services in line with the principles of openness and interoperability.  

Strengthen  the  standards  and  architecture  of  e-government  applications  in  order  to 
create a general interoperability framework of public information systems based on 
the EIF (European Interoperability Framework). 

Establish specifications, norms and standards for SMEs/SMIs' Business to Business 
(B2B)  electronic  transactions  in  order  to  virtualise  exchanges  and  streamline 
business transactions in consultation with the independent European bodies in these 
fields (e.g. CEN, CENELEC, ETSI, etc.). 

• 

• 

• 

EN 

67 

   EN 

• 

• 

Promote cooperation and reciprocal  exchanges of information on strategies relating 
to  electronic  communications  and  networks,  use  of  the  radio-electric  spectrum,  the 
system  of  licenses  and  intellectual  property  rights  in  the  digital  domain,  the 
development  of  electronic  transactions  to  promote  B2B  exchanges  and  the  future 
development of the information society at national, regional and global levels.  

More  specifically,  press  ahead  with  implementation  of  Morocco's  new  digital 
strategy  'Maroc  Numéric'  for  dialogue  and  cooperation  on  information  society 
technology (ICT): 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

open  greater  numbers  of  community  access  centres  to  expand  the  number  of 
people  with  access  to  new  technologies  (high-speed  internet  and  public 
services),  particularly  in  remote  and  rural  areas,  with  the  aim  of  reducing  the 
digital divide; 

support  national  digital  development  for  cultural  and  educational  purposes, 
combining public and private initiatives and international partnerships; 

study the opening-up of public data and licences for use and re-use for citizens 
and businesses; 

encourage civil-society involvement in implementation of the 'Maroc Numeric' 
strategy among citizens in information technology and telecommunications; 

promote a culture of entrepreneurship and ICT innovation in the private sector 
and in curricula and training courses and programmes; 

exchange  information  and  best  practices  in  the  field  of  certification  of 
electronic signatures and of secure communications and electronic transactions; 

support the development and rolling-out of a national programme to migrate to 
the IPv6 internet addressing system. 

• 

Strengthen  all  forms  of  cooperation  with  the  EU  on  standards  for  information 
technology  and  communications,  especially  for  digital  TV,  digital  mobile  networks 
and  the  internet  of  the  future,  for  the  connectivity  of  high-speed  networks  in 
development (next phase of EUMEDCONNECT), and for the regulatory framework 
of technological developments in the information society.  

– 

– 

– 

encourage Moroccan participation, both public and private and in the form of 
joint  projects,  in  the  Information  and  Communication  Technologies  (ICT) 
components of European research and innovation programmes, particularly in 
areas concerning major societal challenges and the development of high-speed 
network infrastructure and data for research; 

promote  the  strengthening  of  regional  cooperation  with  the  EU,  national 
research  with  European  partners,  and  links  with  or  the  launching  of  joint 
research networks and exchanges of researchers with the EU; 

plan the launching a Euro-Mediterranean research programme more adapted to 
the environment and to the development of the Mediterranean region. 

EN 

68 

   EN 

• 

• 

Promote  free  access  to  the  internet  and  cooperation  with  regulators  in  the  southern 
Mediterranean. 

Cooperate  with  the  Euromed  Group  of  Electronic  Communications  Regulators 
(EMERG)  and  with  regulatory  authorities  of  EU  Member  States  on  issues  of 
common interest.  

7.6 

Science and technology, research and innovation 

Promote  research  and  innovation  capacity-building  aimed  at  developing  the  economy  and 
society and increase Morocco's involvement in the European Research Area 

• 

Enhance the role of the national research system in Morocco's development:  

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

improve the governance of the national research system; 

develop the certification of laboratories and encourage researchers and research 
teams to group together; 

set up structures to enhance value; 

strengthen internal and external evaluation of research activities and  establish 
mechanisms  for  better  coordination  between  the  different  stakeholders  in  the 
national research system; 

promote  collaboration  and  partnership  between  universities  and  research 
organisations and the end users of research results; 

implementation 

the 
continue 
Euro-Mediterranean  Charter  for  Enterprise  and  jointly  assess  progress  on  the 
basis of indicators established at regional level; 

innovation-related 

aspects 

of 

of 

promote  scientific  and  technological  partnerships  in  the  Euro-Mediterranean 
area; 

mobilise the skills of Moroccans living in Europe to consolidate exchanges and 
relations  between  Morocco  and  the  EU  in  the  fields  of  science,  technology, 
research and innovation; 

– 

review the conditions for Morocco's accession to the EUREKA network. 

• 

Morocco's involvement in the European Research Area:  

– 

– 

– 

explore  the  possibility  of  scientific  cooperation,  such  as  the  twinning  project 
(programme-level  management),  in  shared  priority  themes  of  European 
research and innovation programmes; 

improve  the  conditions  of  Morocco's  participation  in  European  research  and 
innovation programmes; 

build the research capacity of universities and research centres with a view to 
Morocco's future association in European research and innovation programmes 

EN 

69 

   EN 

and  greater  participation  in  COST  (European  Cooperation  in  Science  and 
Technology);  

– 

– 

– 

strengthen Morocco's network of national thematic contact points for European 
research and innovation programmes and encourage exchanges with European 
counterparts;  

step  up  staff  exchanges  in  research  projects  and  promote  the  participation  of 
Moroccan scientists in international scientific debates;  

establish the conditions for Morocco to join and participate in programmes of 
the European Institute of Technology (EIT).  

Convergence: to achieve these objectives Morocco , with the support of the EU, will take into 
account  the  relevant  European  standards  in  science  and  technology  and  research  and 
innovation,  including  the  provisions  of  European  research  and  innovation  programmes 
designed to improve industrial competitiveness and the quality of life and promote sustainable 
development.  

7.7 

Audiovisual sector 

• 

• 

• 

Promote an exchange of views, information and experiences concerning audiovisual 
policy, including regulatory aspects.  

Promote this sector in order to improve standards of governance, service quality and 
competitiveness and to enhance skills through training and technical assistance. 

Support  the  development  of  a  transparent,  effective  and  predictable  regulatory 
system,  including  revision  of  the  legal  framework  and  implementation  of  the  new 
constitutional prerogatives of the High Authority of Audiovisual Communication. 

EN 

70 

   EN 

7.8 

Integrated maritime policy 

Develop  a  framework  of  relations  to  enable  Morocco  to  participate  in  the  EU's  Integrated 
Maritime Policy 

• 

• 

Develop an integrated approach to all activities related to or having an impact on the 
sea and coastal areas, both nationally and regionally. 

Continue  improvements  in  the  governance  of  these  maritime  activities,  particularly 
through  the  development  of  tools  such  as  maritime  spatial  planning,  integrated 
coastal zone management and efforts in the field of marine and maritime research. 

7.9 

Tourism 

• 

• 

Implement the tourism strategy 'Vision 2020'. 

Exchange information on policies, actions and projects concerning sustainable, high 
quality and responsible tourism.  

8. 

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND HEALTH 

8.1 

Education 

Consolidate the principle of equal opportunities 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Reduce the dropout rate, especially among girls in rural areas. 

Improve 'return to school' rates. 

Improve the grants system. 

Reduce violence in schools. 

Provide universal access to basic education and combat illiteracy 

• 

• 

• 

Reduce illiteracy rates, especially among young people and women in rural areas. 

Extend compulsory education (up to lower secondary). 

Increase  rates  of  secondary  education  leading  to  qualifications,  especially  among 
girls. 

Improve the quality of teaching in schools 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Extend pre-school provision. 

Reduce repeat rates. 

Improve mastery of the language of instruction and foreign-language learning. 

Improve teacher training. 

EN 

71 

   EN 

• 

Improve guidance and monitoring of students in difficulty 

Continue implementation of the education-related aspects of the Euro-Mediterranean Charter 
for Enterprise  

• 

• 

Develop  education  for  entrepreneurship  as  a  key  competence  in  primary  and 
secondary education. 

Jointly assess progress on the basis of indicators established at regional level. 

8.2 

Training and vocational training 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Support the reform of vocational education.  

Pursue dialogue and exchanges on instruments such as the European Credit System 
for  Vocational  Education  and  Training  (ECVET)  and  the  European  Quality 
Assurance  Reference  Framework  for  vocational  education  and  training  (EQARF 
VET). 

Prepare the institutional and operational conditions for implementation of a national 
certification framework.  

Reform  the  vocational  training  system  and  its  governance  (in  conjunction  with  the 
social  partners)  and  improve  dialogue  between  skill  supply  and  demand  so  as  to 
better match labour-market needs.  

Carry  out  more  evidence-based  analysis  of  the  labour  market  and  conceptions  of 
public policies. 

Help improve continuing training, in particular improve the management of funds for 
continuing training (reform of special contracts) and so increase access and quality. 

Continue implementation of the training aspects of the Euro-Mediterranean Charter 
for Enterprise, with a focus on training in entrepreneurship. Improve the gathering of 
information on training courses in enterprises. Jointly assess progress on the basis of 
indicators established at regional level. 

8.3 

Higher education 

Support  reform  of  Morocco's  higher  education  system  and  its  convergence  with  Bologna 
Process principles 

• 

• 

• 

Establish  a  dialogue  and  exchanges  on  the  principles  and  recommendations  of  the 
Bologna Process establishing the European Higher Education Area.  

Morocco's legislative and regulatory convergence with the objectives of the Bologna 
Process.  

Introduce  tools  to  facilitate  transparency,  comparability  and  recognition  of  studies, 
such as the system of accumulation and transfer of credits (ECTS) and the Diploma 
Supplement (adoption and effective implementation of the credit system, disciplines 
and institutions involved).  

EN 

72 

   EN 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Continue implementation of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). 

Step up the development of vocational training courses to enhance the employability 
of university graduates and develop active partnerships with professionals. 

Monitor graduates and improve their employment rates. 

Step up the process of devolution and decentralisation of educational services and the 
'extended 
decentralisation  of  higher  education  with  a  view 
regionalisation'.  

to  supporting 

Improving access to higher education 

• 

• 

• 

Improve  social  services  for  students  (social  grants,  merit-based  grants,  capacity  of 
university halls of residence, canteens, and basic medical coverage).  

Introduce support measures for students, especially in open-access university centres. 

Implement measures to reduce repetition and dropout rates (integrated measures for 
the  teaching  of  languages,  academic  methodology  modules, 
languages  and 
communication  modules,  IT  modules,  tutoring  systems,  guidance  for  graduates  and 
students  and  the  development  of  core  curricula  and  bridges  between  faculties  to 
allow course changes, etc.). 

• 

Establish an efficient information and guidance system. 

Qualitative improvement of Morocco's higher education system 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Improve capacity and skills of university staff. 

Promote distance-learning. 

Develop new information and communication technologies in the Moroccan system 
of higher education.  

Step up the process of certification in university education. 

Strengthen the governance of higher education institutions and their autonomy. 

Foster the development of skills for the evaluation of training programmes, projects 
and institutions (pedagogical, administrative and financial evaluation). 

Set up a system of institutional assessment of Moroccan higher education. 

Consolidate independent quality assurance. 

Train through research, particularly for doctorates. 

Strengthen cooperation in the field of education and training by increasing and/or improving 
Morocco's participation in EU higher education programmes 

EN 

73 

   EN 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Continue  support  for  the  reform  and  modernisation  of  higher  education  under  the 
Tempus programme and its successor.  

Promote  Morocco's  participation  in  existing  European  mobility  programmes  and 
partnerships in higher education.  

Continue information campaigns on these programmes aimed at potential applicants, 
students and academics.  

Encourage Morocco's alignment on current EU procedures to recognise diplomas. 

Encourage  exchanges  between  Morocco's  MERIC  centre  and  the  ENIC-NARIC 
network.  

Promote  cooperation  between  the  Portoroz  Euro-Mediterranean  University  with 
training institutions in Morocco. 

8.4 

Support for education in Community policies 

• 

• 

Increase  Morocco's  participation  in  Jean  Monnet  actions  to  support  university 
education and research projects in the field of European integration studies. 

Improve Morocco's inclusion in specific programmes aimed at third country officials 
to raise their awareness of Community policies. 

8.5 

Health 

Improve  the  level  of  public  health  in  Morocco  and  strengthen  Morocco-EU  dialogue  on 
health issues 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Further cooperation on health-sector reform, in particular on the basis of Morocco's 
national  health  strategy  'Vision  2020',  the  2008-2012  action  plan  and,  where 
appropriate,  future  instruments,  including  adoption  of  the  framework-law  on  the 
healthcare system aimed at improving health-care quality and access, particularly for 
the poorest, and regionalisation, and improved preventive measures. 

Build  the  capacity  of  institutions  and  laboratories  in  order  to  improve  health 
monitoring and security (creation of the National Public Health Agency). 

Cooperate on health indicators, particularly those linked to MDGs 4 and 5. 

Prevent  and  control  communicable  and  non-communicable  diseases,  such  as  long-
term  and  costly  chronic  diseases,  including  means  such  as  the  ratification  and 
implementation  of  international  health  instruments,  e.g.  the  WHO  Framework 
Convention for Tobacco Control and the WHO International Health Regulations. 

Cooperate  with  a  view  to  a  gradual,  long-term  alignment  on  certain  EU  rules  and 
implementation practices in the field of health.  

Discuss  the  possibility  of  deepening  regional  cooperation  on  health,  particularly  in 
the context of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation.  

EN 

74 

   EN 

Convergence: to achieve these objectives Morocco will adopt laws and regulations concerning 
its health system, and for the purposes of convergence take into account, with the support of 
the  EU,  the  relevant  European  directives  and  WHO  recommendations  on  health  monitoring 
and security. 

8.6 

Youth and sport 

• 

• 

• 

• 

C. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

D. 

• 

Step up cooperation on the non-formal education of young people and youth workers 
in  order  to  promote  exchanges,  intercultural  dialogue  and  the  development  of  civil 
society, in particular through youth programmes such the Youth in Action (2007-13), 
Euromed Youth IV and future such programmes. 

Promote the exchange of information and best practices on issues of common interest 
such as social inclusion in and through sport, education and sport, physical activity 
and  the  campaign  against  doping  and  violence  in  sport  (including  violence  in 
stadiums). 

Enable Moroccan officials to participate in workshops, seminars and conferences on 
sports issues. 

Collaborate  to  organise  events  in  Morocco  on  sporting  themes  within  the  existing 
structures. 

MOROCCO'S PARTICIPATION IN EU PROGRAMMES AND AGENCIES 

Step up cooperation in the regional activities of the following European agencies: the 
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the European Training Foundation (ETF), 
the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the European Monitoring Centre for 
Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), the European Agency for the management 
of  operational  cooperation  at  the  external  borders  (FRONTEX),  Europol,  Eurojust, 
the  European  Environment  Agency  (EEA)  and  the  European  Maritime  Safety 
Agency (EMSA). 

Morocco's  participation  in  Community  programmes  open  to  third  countries, 
including  the  following:  the  Competitiveness  and  Innovation  Programme  (CIP), 
Customs 2013 (2008-2013), SESAR and Marco Polo. 

Participation in the Enterprise Europe Network. 

The  EU  will  help  Morocco  to  participate  effectively  in  these  programmes  and 
agencies. 

FINANCIAL DIMENSION 

Take  into  account  in  the  implementation  of  the  financial  dimension  of  the 
EU-Morocco partnership needs arising from:  

– 

Advanced Status;  

EN 

75 

   EN 

–  Morocco's  internal  situation  as  a  result  of  political,  economic  and  social 
reforms  giving  rise  to  significant  needs  in  terms  of  economic  and  social 
infrastructure;  

– 

– 

the need for inclusive growth to reduce poverty; 

the  need  to  consolidate  Morocco's  opening  and  integration  into  the  global 
economy, especially that of the EU; and 

– 

the EU's new neighbourhood strategy.  

• 

• 

• 

Examine  ways  to  move  from  2013  towards  a  new  phase  in  accessing  adequate  EU 
funds  to  support  Morocco  in  its  regional  policy  and  convergence  towards  the  EU, 
and in adopting new implementation procedures. 

Optimise  the  implementation  of  existing  financial  instruments  through  a  better 
targeting of cooperation programmes and better collaboration between Morocco and 
the EU to boost Morocco's absorption capacity.  

Take  advantage  of  all  new  relevant  and  necessary  instruments  and  thematic 
programmes put in place by the EU as part of its external action, taking into account 
Morocco's needs, progress in reform and absorption capacity.  

III.  MONITORING AND MONITORING REPORTS 

Monitoring of the Action Plan 

• 

• 

• 

• 

This  Action  Plan,  like  its  predecessor,  is  a  strategy  paper  for  EU-Morocco 
cooperation. 

It  will  be  submitted  to  the  EU-Morocco  Association  Council,  which  will  formally 
adopt it. 

The  joint  bodies  established  under  the  Association  Agreement,  in  particular  the 
designated  subcommittees  and  working  groups,  will  advance  and  monitor 
implementation of the Action Plan.  

The  subcommittees  will  accurately  monitor  regulatory  alignment  on  the  EU  acquis 
under  this  Action  Plan  over  the  previous  year  and  the  national  programme  of 
regulatory convergence. They will report to the Association Committee on this work. 
To  this  end,  they  will  ensure  that  the  relevant  applications  to  use  the  TAIEX 
assessment instrument and any other instrument made available by the EU to assess 
the gap with the acquis will made by the ministries concerned. 

Monitoring reports 

• 

• 

EN 

The EU and Morocco may unilaterally review progress in implementing the Action 
Plan independently of the review carried out within the Association Committee.  

The EU and Morocco will have the opportunity to invite non-governmental and other 
interested organisations operating in Morocco and the EU in the areas covered by the 

76 

   EN 

Action  Plan 
implementation.  

to  submit 

their  contributions 

to 

the  review  of  progress 

in 

IV. FINAL CLAUSES  

• 

• 

• 

• 

This Action Plan will have a duration of five years (2013-2017). 

The  Association  Committee  will  be  responsible  for  analysing  progress 
in 
implementing  the  Action  Plan  on  the  basis  of  reports  and  records  of  the 
subcommittees. It will also be able to propose new priorities and adjustments to the 
Action Plan on the basis of progress and/or new needs submitted to the Association 
Council for approval.  

In  so  doing,  the  Association  Committee  will  take  into  consideration  contributions 
from non-governmental and other interested organisations operating in Morocco and 
the EU in the areas covered by the Action Plan.  

After three years of implementation of this Action Plan, the Parties will undertake to 
define future steps towards the establishment of a new framework of relations in the 
light of the discussions of the ad hoc working group mentioned in the joint document 
on Advanced Status.  

EN 

77 

   EN 

ANNEX I: 

List of European and/or Council of Europe Conventions 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

European Convention on Human Rights (Article 6 – Right to a fair trial); EU Charter 
of Fundamental Rights (Chapter VI Justice) 

European Convention on Human Rights (Article 3 – Prohibition of torture); Protocol 
No 13 (Abolition of the death penalty); EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (Articles 
2 and 4) 

European  Convention  on  Human  Rights  (Article  10  –  Freedom  of  expression; 
Article 11 – Freedom of association); EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (Articles 11 
and 12) 

Community Framework Strategy on Gender Equality 

European Convention on Human Rights (Article 14 – Prohibition of discrimination); 
EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (Chapter III) 

Revised Social Charter of the Council of Europe (Articles 4.3, 7, 8, 11, 15, 16, 17, 20 
and 27) 

European Convention on Human Rights (Article 14 – Prohibition of discrimination); 
EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (Chapter III) 

Council  of  Europe  Convention  on  the  Transfer  of  Sentenced  Persons,  and  the 
Additional Protocol thereto 

Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime, and the Additional Protocol thereto 

Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings 

Council of Europe Convention on Laundering, Search, Seizure and  Confiscation of 
the Proceeds from Crime and on the Financing of Terrorism 

EN 

78 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ANNEX II: 

Main references to the Community acquis in EU internal market areas 

Financial services 

The main directive in the banking sector is the Capital Adequacy Directive which consists of 
the following two directives:  

• 

• 

Directive  2006/48/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  14  June 
2006  relating  to  the  taking-up  and  pursuit  of  the  business  of  credit  institutions 
(recast)  

Directive  2006/49/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  14  June 
2006 on the capital adequacy of investment firms and credit institutions (recast)  

Other key directives in this field include: 

• 

• 

• 

Directive 2000/46/EC  of 
the  Council  of 
18 September 2000  on  the  taking-up,  pursuit  and  prudential  supervision  of  the 
business of electronic money institutions 

the  European  Parliament  and  of 

Directive 2002/87/EC  of 
the  Council  of 
16 December 2002 on the supplementary supervision of credit institutions, insurance 
undertakings and investment firms in a financial conglomerate 

the  European  Parliament  and  of 

Directive 94/19/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 1994 
on deposit-guarantee schemes 

The key directives for Morocco in the insurance sector are: 

• 

• 

• 

Directive  2009/138/EC  of  25 November 2009,  OJ  of  17.12.2009,  the  Solvency  II 
Directive,  which  consists  of  most  of  the  former  insurance  directives  (codified) 
applicable at the end of 2012; 

over  5/6  years:  adopt  legislation  on  a  solvency  system  for  the  supervision  of 
insurance  undertakings  on  the  same  lines  as  provided  for  in  Solvency  II  and  do 
likewise for automobile insurance on the basis of the relevant directive 

Directive  2009/103/EC 
16 September 2009, OJ of 9.10.2009 

(codifying  directive  on  automobile 

insurance)  of 

The key directives for Morocco in the securities sector are: 

• 

Directive  2003/6/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  28  January 
2003  on 
(market  abuse),  and 
insider  dealing  and  market  manipulation 
implementation of the directives adopted by the Commission 

EN 

79 

   EN 

 
 
 
• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Directive 2003/71/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 November 
2003 on the prospectus to be published when securities are offered to the public or 
admitted  to  trading  and  amending  Directive  2001/34/EC,  and  the  Commission 
recommendations on this Directive 

Directive  2004/39/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of 
21 April 2004  on  markets  in  financial  instruments  amending  Council  Directives 
85/611/EEC  and  93/6/EEC  and  Directive  2000/12/EC  of  the  European  Parliament 
and of the Council and repealing Directive 93/22/EEC  

Directive 2006/31/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2006 
amending  Directive  2004/39/EC  on  markets  in  financial  instruments,  as  regards 
certain deadlines  

Commission  Directive  2006/73/EC  of  10  August  2006 
implementing 
Directive 2004/39/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on markets in 
financial instruments  

Commission  Regulation  (EC)  No  1287/2006  of  10  August  2006  implementing 
Directive  2004/39/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  as  regards 
record-keeping  obligations  for  investment  firms,  transaction  reporting,  market 
transparency, admission of financial instruments to trading, and defined terms for the 
purposes of that Directive 

Directive  97/9/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  3 March 1997 
on investor-compensation schemes 

Regulation  (EC)  No  1060/2009  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of 
16 September 2009 on credit rating agencies  

Regulation  (EU)  No  236/2012  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of 
14 March 2012 on short selling and certain aspects of credit default swaps 

The most important directives in relation to investment funds are: 

• 

• 

• 

Directive 2009/65/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 
on  the  coordination  of  laws,  regulations  and  administrative  provisions  relating  to 
undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities (UCITS) (Text with 
EEA relevance) 

Commission  Directive  2007/16/EC  of  19  March  2007  implementing  Council 
Directive  85/611/EEC  on  the  coordination  of  laws,  regulations  and  administrative 
provisions relating to undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities 
(UCITS) as regards the clarification of certain definitions  

2010/43/EU 

implementing 
Commission  Directive 
Directive 2009/65/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  as  regards 
organisational  requirements,  conflicts  of 
interest,  conduct  of  business,  risk 
management and content of the agreement between a depositary and a management 
company  

2010 

July 

of 

1 

EN 

80 

   EN 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Corrigendum  to  Commission  Directive  2010/42/EU  of  1  July  2010  implementing 
Directive  2009/65/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  as  regards 
certain provisions concerning fund mergers, master-feeder structures and notification 
procedure  

Commission  Regulation  (EU)  No  583/2010  of  1  July  2010  implementing 
Directive 2009/65/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards key 
investor  information  and  conditions  to  be  met  when  providing  key  investor 
information or the prospectus in a durable medium other than paper or by means of a 
website (Text with EEA relevance) 

Commission  Regulation  (EU)  No  584/2010  of  1  July  2010  implementing 
Directive 2009/65/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the 
form and content of the standard notification letter and UCITS attestation, the use of 
electronic  communication  between  competent  authorities  for  the  purpose  of 
notification,  and  procedures  for  on-the-spot  verifications  and  investigations  and  the 
exchange of information between competent authorities (Text with EEA relevance) 

Directive 2011/61/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2011 
on alternative investment fund managers 

The key directives on infrastructure are: 

• 

• 

Directive 2009/44/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 May 2009 
amending  Directive  98/26/EC  on  settlement  finality  in  payment  and  securities 
settlement systems  

Directive 2002/47/EC on financial collateral arrangements as regards linked systems 
and credit claims 

Postal services 

The key directives for Morocco in the postal services sector are: 

• 

Directive  97/67/EC  of 
the  Council  of 
15 December 1997  on  common  rules  for  the  development  of  the  internal  market  of 
Community  postal  services  and  the  improvement  of  quality  of  service,  as  last 
amended by Directives 2002/39/EC and 2008/06/EC 

the  European  Parliament  and  of 

Intellectual and industrial property 

The most important directives are: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Directive 2004/48/EC (enforcement of intellectual property rights)  

Directive 2001/29/EC (copyright and related rights in the information society)  

Directive 2001/84/EC (resale right)  

Directive 2006/116/EC (extending protection)  

EN 

81 

   EN 

 
 
 
• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Regulation 1383/2003 concerning customs action  

Directive  91/250/EEC  replaced  by  Directive  2009/24/EC  on  the  legal  protection  of 
computer programs  

Directive 92/100/EEC replaced by Directive 2006/115/EC on rental right and lending 
right  

Directive 93/83/EEC concerning satellite broadcasting and cable retransmission 

Directive 96/9/EEC on the legal protection of databases 

Concerning trade marks: 

• 

• 

Directive 2008/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 
2008 to approximate the laws of the Member States relating to trade marks (Codified 
version) 

Council Regulation (EC) No 207/2009 of 26 February 2009 on Community designs 
(Codified version) 

Concerning patents: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Regulation  (EC)  No  469/2009  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of 
6 May  2009  concerning  the  supplementary  protection  certificate  for  medicinal 
products (Codified version) 

Regulation  (EC)  No  1610/96  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of 
23 July  1996  concerning  the  creation  of  a  supplementary  protection  certificate  for 
plant protection products 

Regulation  (EC)  No  1901/2006  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of 
12 December  2006  on  medicinal  products  for  paediatric  use  and  amending 
Regulation  (EEC)  No  1768/92,  Directive  2001/20/EC,  Directive  2001/83/EC  and 
Regulation (EC) No 726/2004 

Directive 98/44/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 July 1998 on 
the legal protection of biotechnological inventions 

Regulation  (EC)  No 816/2006  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of 
17 May  2006  on  compulsory  licensing  of  patents  relating  to  the  manufacture  of 
pharmaceutical products for export to countries with public health problems 

Concerning designs: 

• 

• 

Directive  98/71/EC  of 
13 October 1998 on the legal protection of designs 

the  European  Parliament  and  of 

the  Council  of 

Council Regulation (EC) No 6/2002 of 12 December 2001 on Community designs 

EN 

82 

   EN 

ANNEX III: Priority measures under the EU-Morocco Action Plan on implementation of the advanced status (2013-2017) 

Area 

Objectives 

Action by Morocco 

Timetable/Indicators 

EU support (*) 

and 
Political 
policy dialogue 

Develop 

1) 
political 
increase 
multilateral forums 

dialogue 
consultation 

bilateral 
and 
in 

(a)  Organise  ad  hoc  meetings  at  ministerial 
and/or  senior  official  level  on  subjects  of 
mutual interest; 

(b)  Take  joint  initiatives,  establish  informal 
coordination  mechanisms  in  UN  bodies,  in 
particular  on  initiatives  to  combat  threats  to 
international  security,  human  rights  and 
regional issues 

conflict 

2)  Strengthen  cooperation 
on 
prevention, 
crisis  management,  non-
proliferation  of  weapons  of 
mass  destruction,  export 
controls  on  arms  and  dual-
use  goods,  civil  protection 
the  prevention  of 
and 
chemical, 
biological, 
radiological  and  nuclear 
(CBRN) risks 

(a)  Conclude  a  framework  agreement  on 
crisis 
Moroccan 
management operations (civil and military); 

participation 

in  EU 

(b)  Establish  operational 
arrangements 
between  Moroccan  bodies  and  European 
Commission  departments  for  cooperation 
with  the  Monitoring  and  Information  Centre 
(MIC); 

(c) Introduce an effective  national system of 
arms and dual-use goods export controls 

ST 

ST 

ST 

ST 

MT 
Active engagement in the process 
of  negotiating  the  Arms  Trade 
Treaty;  

(*)  This  column  covers  support  measures  currently  being  implemented/under  development  or  that  may  be  programmed.  Morocco’s  participation  in  Community 

programmes and agencies also constitutes a priority measure. 

EN 

83 

EN 

 
  
 
  
  
  
  
Area 

Objectives 

Action by Morocco 

Timetable/Indicators 

EU support (*) 

law. 
Rule  of 
democracy  and 
governance 

institutions 
3)  Strengthen 
that  guarantee  democracy 
and the rule of law 

(a)  Strengthen  the  role  and  capacity  for 
action  of  the  Parliament,  Government  and 
political  parties,  the  National  Human  Rights 
Council  (CNDH)  and  the  Ombudsman’s 
Office; 

MT 

Capacity  of  bodies  concerned 
increased 

(b) Adopt appropriate legislation; 

MT 

Increased capacity in terms of the 
constitutional 
quality 
and 
conformity  of 
legislative  and 
regulatory texts 

Parliament’s 
capacity enhanced  

administrative 

Establishment 
Constitutional Court  

of 

the 

(c)  Strengthen  cooperation  with  the  Council 
of Europe; 

MT 

Gradual  accession  to  the  relevant 
conventions  listed  in  Section  2.8 
of the Action Plan;  

Implementation  of  ‘Partner  for 
Democracy' status 

and 

Programme  of  support  to  the 
CNDH 
Inter-ministerial 
Human  Rights  Delegation  and 
capacity-building 
both 
institutions (SPRING).  

of 

to 

Support 
Secretariat-General 
Programme) 

the  Government 
III 
(P3A 

Support  to  Parliament  (P3A  III 
and 
‘Making  a  Success  of 
Advanced Status’ Programmes) 

‘Making  a  Success  of  Advanced 
‘Strengthening 
Status’ 
democratic reform in the southern 
Neighbourhood’ Programmes 

and 

(d)  Modernise  public  administration,  e.g. 
guarantee  equal  access  to  public  services, 

MT 

HAKAMA Programme 

EN 

84 

EN 

 
  
 
equitable national coverage and continuity of 
service,  and  improve  the  quality  of  service 
provided; 

a 

of 

public 
Implementation 
service  charter  and  devolution 
charter; 
of 
administrative 
procedures; 
implementation of e-government 

simplification 

(e) Adopt the Organic Budget Law; 

ST 

EN 

85 

EN 

 
  
 
Area 

Objectives 

Action by Morocco 

Timetable/Indicators 

EU support (*) 

law. 
Rule  of 
democracy  and 
governance 

(f)  Introduce  the  advanced  regionalisation 
process 

MT 

Adoption  and  implementation  of 
the Organic Law laying down the 
of 
terms 
cooperation 
local 
authorities, 
their  powers  and 
operating procedures 

conditions 
between 

and 

Adoption  and  implementation  of 
the Organic Law laying down the 
operating  procedures  of 
local 
authorities 

4) Ensure the independence 
and  improve  the  efficiency 
of the judiciary 

(a) Adopt a justice sector reform strategy; 

ST 

(b)  Strengthen 
judiciary; 

the 

independence  of 

the 

MT 

(c) Adopt appropriate legislation; 

MT 

Establishment  of 
Judicial Council 

the  Supreme 

Possible  programme  to  support 
justice  sector  reform;  capacity 
development; 

‘Strengthening democratic reform 
in  the  southern  Neighbourhood’ 
Programme 

Adoption  of  a  new  Criminal 
the 
Code; 
timetable and priorities laid down 
in the sector reform strategy 

compliance  with 

EN 

86 

EN 

 
  
 
  
  
(d)  Modernise  the  judiciary,  inter  alia  by 
simplifying 
judicial 
procedures 

improving 

and 

(e) Improve training for judges and members 
of legal professions 

in 

MT 
Reduction 
length  of 
procedures;  improved  access  to 
justice. development of alternative 
dispute settlement methods 

the 

EN 

87 

EN 

 
  
Area 

Objectives 

Action by Morocco 

Timetable/Indicators 

EU support (*) 

law. 
Rule  of 
democracy  and 
governance 

5) Consolidation of the role 
of civil society 

(a)  Strengthen  consultation  bodies  so  as  to 
encourage  civil  society  involvement  in  the 
preparation,  implementation  and  evaluation 
of public policies; 

MT 
Impact of the consultation process 
in cooperation with the Moroccan 
departments 
Government 
community 
concerned 
stakeholders 

and 

Capacity-building  of  civil  society 
the 
organisations 
through 
EIDHR,  NSA  &  LA, 
and 
Migration  and  Asylum  thematic 
through 
and 
programmes, 
bilateral programmes  

(b)  Build  the  managerial  and  organisational 
community 
capacity 
stakeholders  to  interact  with  national  and 
international authorities 

of  Moroccan 

MT 
Establishment of partnerships 

6)  Strengthen  protection  of 
the  rights  of  women  and 
minors 

Implement 

the  Convention  on 

(a) 
the 
Elimination  of  All  Forms  of  Discrimination 
against  Women  (CEDAW)  and  the  Optional 
Protocol thereto; 

(b)  Set  up  the  Authority  for  Equality  and  to 
combat discrimination in all its forms; 

(c)  Finalise  the  legislative  framework  for 
combating 
against  women, 
including domestic violence; 

violence 

ST 

ST 

ST 

Adoption of the law on combating 
violence against women 

Project  to  support  the  dynamics 
of  integrated  rural  development 
in  rural  territories  of  northern 
Morocco  (DRIN),  ‘Equity  and 
gender  equality  promotion’  and 
support 
policy’ 
'Forestry 
programmes  and  civil  society 
support  via 
the  civil  society 
facility 

 Equity  and  gender  equality 
support  programme; 
capacity 
building; civil society support via 
the civil society facility;‘Making a 
Success  of  Advanced  Status’ 
Programme 

EN 

88 

EN 

 
  
 
(d)  Implement  mechanisms  to  promote  and 
protect  the  rights  of  women,  children  and 
people with disabilities; 

MT 

Progress  achieved  in  accordance 
with  the  Government’s  equality 
the  Criminal 
plan;  reform  of 
Code;  

Adoption  and  implementation  of 
the  working  and 
the  act  on 
employment conditions applicable 
to 
employees; 
establishment  of  a  Family  and 
Children’s Advisory Council 

domestic 

Area 

Objectives 

Action by Morocco 

Timetable/Indicators 

EU support (*) 

Rule  of 
law. 
democracy  and 
governance 

(e)  Strengthen  the  control  mechanisms  for 
ensuring  effective  implementation  of  the 
Labour Code prohibition on the employment 
of children under the age of 15 

MT 

ILO reports 

7)  Strengthen  the  rights  of 
association,  expression  and 
assembly 

(a)  Adopt  and  implement  a  new  Press  Code 
covering  the  written  and  online  press  and 
including  the  organisation  of  ethical  aspects 
of the profession; 

ST 

Inclusive 
consultation  process 
involving  all  partners  concerned 
in  the  development  of  the  new 
Press  Code;  establishment  of  a 
National Press Council; 

Conformity  with 
standards 

international 

EN 

89 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
(b)  Continue  reforms 
pluralism and independence; 

leading 

to  media 

MT 

(c)  Effectively  apply  the  legislation  on  the 
right  of  association  and  amend  the  act  on 
street demonstrations; 

liberalisation  of 

Continue 
the 
market  in  the  audiovisual  media 
sectors;  

Strengthen  the  independence  of 
the High Authority of Audiovisual 
Communication 

ST 

Immediate  delivery  of  certificates 
of  registration  of  an  association; 
compliance  with  the  International 
Covenant  on  Civil  and  Political 
Rights,  in  particular  Article  21 
thereof 

EN 

90 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
Area 

Objectives 

Action by Morocco 

Timetable/Indicators 

EU support (*) 

law. 
Rule  of 
democracy  and 
governance 

(d)  Continue  negotiations  with  the  social 
partners on finalising the Organic Law laying 
down  conditions  and  arrangements 
for 
exercising  the  right  to  strike  in  accordance 
with  the  results  of  negotiations  with  the 
social partners 

MT 

Negotiations  with 
partners;  

the 

social 

the 

Compliance 
legal 
of 
framework  and  practices  with  the 
principles  laid  down  by  the  ILO 
supervisory bodies  

8) Improve the fight against 
corruption 

(a)  Implement  the  act  on  the  protection  of 
victims  and  witnesses  of  corruption 
in 
institutions; 

ST 

and  develop 

role, 
(b)  Establish 
independence  and  capacities  of  the  National 
Agency  on  Probity  and  the  Fight  against 
Corruption; 

the 

(c)  Implement  action  plans  and  adopt  a 
national 
and 
for 
combating corruption; 

preventing 

strategy 

ST 

Adopt and implement the Organic 
Law  establishing 
the  National 
Agency  on  Probity  and  the  Fight 
against  Corruption;  Annual  ICPC 
report 

MT 

of 

Indicators 
Transparency 
International  and  other  relevant 
national and international sources 

Support  to  the  National  Agency 
on  Probity  and  the  Fight  against 
Corruption  (technical  assistance 
under  the  P3A  III  Programme) 
and capacity-building  

‘Strengthening democratic reform 
in  the  southern  Neighbourhood’ 
Programme 
P3AIII Sigma Programme 

EN 

91 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mobility, 
migration  and 
security 

Improve 

border 
9) 
management,  readmission, 
mobility  of  persons  and 
migration 
policy, 
international protection and 
asylum 

Establish a partnership for mobility covering 
several areas: 

ST 

(a) legal migration: facilitation of the issue of 
visas, including under the EU Visa Code; 

illegal  migration: 

(b) 
irregular 
migration/border  management/readmission 
agreement; 

tackling 

The  annex  to  the  partnership  for 
mobility  will  set  out  the  EU  and 
Member  State  support  measures, 
including: 

support 
for  reform,  capacity-
building,  civil  society  support, 
training, exchanges of experience  

EN 

92 

EN 

 
  
  
  
Area 

Objectives 

Action by Morocco 

Timetable/Indicators 

EU support (*) 

(c) link between migration and development; 

(d)  promote 
strengthen asylum policy 

international  protection  and 

(a) Implement the outline plan for integrated 
industrial platforms and business areas; 

MT 

(b) Continue the implementation of measures 
aimed at increasing productivity and training 
the  labour  force  in  growth  sectors  of  the 
economy; 

the  economy 

Completion of the implementation 
of the National Pact for Industrial 
Emergence  in  the  growth  sectors 
of 
(automobile, 
aeronautical, electronics, offshore, 
agri-food 
textiles/leather 
industries)  and  of  the  Rawaj  Plan 
for trade and distribution 

and 

Economic  and 
social reform 

10)  Continue 
reforms  of 
and finances 

structural 
the  economy 

expertise, 

‘Migration 

information 
and 
campaigns, 
and 
Asylum’ thematic programme and 
cooperation  with  EU  agencies 
concerned;  

support  for  development  in  areas 
of high emigration (DRIN project 
in the Rif region) 

HAKAMA 
SPRING 
and 
Programmes (support for reforms 
and capacity-building)  

(c)  Improve  the  business  climate,  promote 
entrepreneurship,  SMEs  and  VSEs,  and 
continue 
the  Euro-
Mediterranean Enterprise Charter; 

implementation  of 

MT 

Monitoring indicators of the Euro-
Mediterranean Enterprise Charter; 
the  CNEA 
implementation  of 
the 
for 
(National  Committee 

EN 

93 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
Business  Environment)  Action 
Plan;  establishment  of  the  SME 
Observatory; adoption of the VSE 
strategy;  

Regulatory 
administrative simplification; 

reform 

and 

‘Small Business Act’ for SMEs 

Area 

Objectives 

Action by Morocco 

Timetable/Indicators 

EU support (*) 

Economic  and 
social reform 

(d)  Continue  tax  policy  and  public  finance 
management reforms; 

MT 

of 

the 

efficiency 

Improvement  in  the  transparency 
and 
tax 
administration;  simplification  of 
the 
(incl.  VAT); 
implementation  of  the  Organic 
Budget Law; 

tax  system 

11)  Develop  an  integrated 
strategy of employment and 
promotion  of  social  policy 
and public health 

Develop 

employment 

policy, 
(a) 
taking 
employability  and  decent  work, 
account  of  the  guidelines  of  the  European 
the  action 
strategy  on  employment  and 
framework 
the  EuroMed 
Ministerial  Conference  on  employment  in 
Marrakesh in November 2008; 

agreed 

by 

ST 

‘Making  a  Success  of  Advanced 
Status’ and SPRING Programmes 
(support 
and 
capacity-building) 

reforms 

for 

(b)  Adopt  and 
compensation scheme; 

implement  a 

loss-of-job 

ST 

(c)  Implement  the  extension  of  compulsory  ST 

‘Basic 

medical 

cover' 

EN 

94 

EN 

 
  
 
 
  
 
 
insurance  and  of 

health 
scheme (RAMED); 

the  healthcare 

(d) Improve the standard of public health, in 
particular through institution-building; 

MT 

programmes; 
support programme  

health 

sector 

Implementation  of  the  Moroccan 
national 
‘Health  Vision  2020' 
strategy 

Gradual alignment on the relevant 
WHO and/or EU standards 

(e)  Reform  the  public  subsidies  scheme 
(‘Compensation Fund’); 

ST 

Replacement  of  a  system  of 
general  subsidies  by  a  system  of 
price  subsidies  for  energy  and 
certain  food  products  targeted  at 
low-income population groups 

cover' 

medical 

‘Basic 
programme;  
‘Support 
for  promoting  equity 
and  equality  between  the  sexes’ 
Programme 

EN 

95 

EN 

 
  
Area 

Objectives 

Action by Morocco 

Timetable/Indicators 

EU support (*) 

Economic  and 
social reform 

(f) Combat poverty and social inequalities 

MT 

Trade, markets 
and  regulatory 
reform  

12)  Align  with 
acquis 

the  EU 

in 

the 

(a)  Implement  legislative  and  regulatory 
first  priority  sectors 
alignment 
approved:  (1)  financial  services  (insurance), 
(2)  public  procurement,  and  (3)  technical 
standards and regulations (quality and safety) 
[for the latter: see action 13) a)]; 

(b)  Adopt  a  national  regulatory  convergence 
programme 
priority 
sectors; 

establishing 

other 

appropriate 

(c)  Adopt 
and 
regulatory  reforms  in  line  with  the  above 
national convergence programme 

legislative 

Action  to  combat  rural  poverty 
strengthened; 

Extension of basic medical cover; 

Improvements in the efficiency of 
NHDI projects 

ST 

By 2015 (2 years after adoption of 
the AP) 

MT 

Compliance  with  the  timetable 
and  priorities  laid  down  in  the 
national  convergence  programme 
once established; 

NHDI II Programme, Support for 
rural  health  policy;  Programme 
to tackle illiteracy  

(SPRING) 

Project  to  support  the  dynamics 
of  integrated  rural  development 
in  rural  territories  of  northern 
Morocco (DRIN) 

‘Making  a  Success  of  Advanced 
and 
Status’ 
institutional 
schemes 
with the Industry Ministry 

programme 
twinning 

13) Deepen trade relations 

Implement economic integration by: 

Communication initiatives  

EN 

96 

EN 

 
  
 
 
  
(a)  Facilitating  market  access  for  industrial 
products through the alignment of Moroccan 
legislation  on  that  of  the  EU  and  raising 
infrastructure quality in the priority sectors; 

ST 

Signing  of  ACAA  agreements 
(electronics and toys) 

MT 

Signing  of  ACAA  agreements 
gas 
(building 
appliances and machinery) 

materials, 

EN 

97 

EN 

 
  
Area 

Objectives 

Action by Morocco 

Timetable/Indicators 

EU support (*) 

Trade, markets 
and  regulatory 
reform 

14) Progress in other trade-
related sectors 

(b)  Strengthen  cooperation  on  trade  defence 
instruments and arbitration; 

ST 

(c) Continue negotiations on an agreement on 
liberalising 
and 
establishment with a view to opening talks on 
a DCFTA; 

services 

trade 

in 

(d) Open talks on a DCFTA. 

Intellectual  and 

(a) 
industrial  property: 
levels  of 
gradually  move 
protection  and  build  administrative  and 
judicial capacity; 

towards  EU 

Development  of  expertise  in  the 
areas  of 
trade  defence  and 
arbitration 

ST 

ST 

Results of the scoping mission  

ST 

Alignment 
legislation on that of the EU;  

of 

Moroccan 

Institutional  twinning  schemes  – 
(Moroccan  Office  of 
OMPIC 
Industrial 
Commercial 
Property) 

and 

Introduction of effective deterrent 
and 
measures 
(justice, customs); 

enforcement 

impact  of 
Evaluation  of 
counterfeiting  and  piracy  on 
national creativity and innovation; 

the 

Improvement  of 
system for inventions 

the  patents 

EN 

98 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
(b) Upgrade sanitary and phytosanitary rules 
and build capacity at the National Office for 
Food  Safety  (ONSSA),  in  particular  in  the 
area  of  pesticide,  fertiliser  and  growing 
media registration; 

MT 

Adoption  and  implementation  of 
the regulations implementing Law 
No 28/07 on food safety and draft 
laws  on  animal  health  drawn  up 
and  validated  within 
the  EU-
funded 
twinning  project  2007-
2009 

‘Making  a  Success  of  Advanced 
Status’ Programme 

EN 

99 

EN 

 
  
  
Area 

Objectives 

Action by Morocco 

Timetable/Indicators 

EU support (*) 

Trade, markets 
and  regulatory 
reform 

Laboratories  upgraded  in order  to 
obtain their accreditation. 

Implementation  of  a  regionalised 
animal-health system 

(c) Improve the level of consumer protection;  MT 

of 

legislative 
Continuation 
alignment; 
administrative 
capacities  of  the  High  Consumer 
Council strengthened; 

Establishment  of  a  Moroccan 
Consumer Centre. 

15)  Modernise  and  build 
capacity  in  agriculture  and 
fisheries 

(a) Promote high quality production; 

MT 

(b)  Develop  'solidarity  agriculture'  (Pillar  II 
of  the  Green  Morocco  Plan),  in  particular 
small-scale  agriculture  in  fragile,  difficult 
regions and rural development 

Conclusion  of  an  agreement  to 
protect geographical indications 

MT 

Programmes  supporting  Pillar  II 
of the Green Morocco Plan; 

Development  of  high  quality  and 
products, 
local 
traditional 
including organic products; 

ENPARD Initiative 

Reactivation 
sectors in targeted areas; 

of 

beneficiary 

Support 
Council strategy (SPRING);  

the  Agricultural 

for 

EN 

100 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
(c)  Improve  intelligence  gathering  about 
products and markets  

in 

particular 

(d)  Implement  a  framework  for  fisheries 
governance, 
the 
modernisation  of  wholesale  trading  (in  line 
with  the  content  and  objectives  of  the 
'Halieutis  Plan'  and  with 
the  common 
fisheries  policy  on  the  conservation  and 
sustainable exploitation of fishery resources) 

for 

ENPARD pilot programmes 

MT 

MT 

Internal  market 
products 
invigorated; 

restructured 

in 

‘Making  a  Success  of  Advanced 
Status’ Programme 

fishery 
and 

Added  value  of  fishery  products 
and  their  marketing  conditions 
enhanced 

EN 

101 

EN 

 
  
  
  
  
Area 

Objectives 

Action by Morocco 

Timetable/Indicators 

EU support (*) 

Infrastructure 

Improve 

16) 
efficiency 

transport 

(a)  Modernise  air  traffic  management  and 
improve air safety and security; 

MT 

Implementation  of  a  programme 
safety  equipment 
to  develop 
radar 
extending 
including 
coverage 
the 
efficiency of the air traffic control 
automation system 

increasing 

and 

(b)  Implement  a  maritime  strategy  aimed  at 
strengthening  maritime  safety,  security  and 
surveillance 

MT 

Systems  of  port,  flag  and  coastal 
State control strengthened 

Strengthen 

17) 
supplies and security  

energy 

and 

legislative 

(a)  Pursue 
regulatory 
convergence  in  all  branches  of  the  energy 
sector, including renewables and natural gas, 
with  a  view  to  implementing  the  national 
energy strategy based on objectives of supply 
security,  competitiveness  and  energy  sector 
modernisation 

MT 

Development  and  implementation 
of a vision for the year 2020  

‘Making  a  Success  of  Advanced 
Status’ Programme  

(capacity-building  and 
support measures); 

reform 

SafeMed 
Programmes 

and 

MEDAMOS 

‘Making  a  Success  of  Advanced 
Status’ Programme 

b)  Reinforce 
the  energy 
infrastructure and integrate energy markets  

interconnection 

MT 

preferential 
Establishment 
conditions for Moroccan operators 

of 

EN 

102 

EN 

 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
conditions 

to 
(c)  Create 
developing the use of natural gas, including a 
regulatory authority  

conducive 

to  access  EU  energy  markets  and 
conditions  for  the  integration  of 
energy markets 

MT 

Attainment of a 20% share of the 
national 
for 
natural gas by 2020 

energy  balance 

EN 

103 

EN 

 
  
 
  
  
Area 

Objectives 

Action by Morocco 

Timetable/Indicators 

EU support (*) 

Infrastructure 

The 
environment 
and sustainable 
development 

18)  Improve  environmental 
protection,  water  resource 
management  and  measures 
to combat climate change 

large-scale  and  small-scale 
(d)  Ensure 
development  of  renewable  energies;  export 
green 
energy 
efficiency  

and  promote 

electricity 

and 

and 

implement  national 
(a)  Develop 
strategies 
the 
environment  and  water  resource  sector, 
including the introduction of a national green 
economy strategy 

programmes 

in 

(b) Improve the participation of civil society 
groups  and  local  authorities  concerned  by 
environmental measures; 

MT 

More  effective  strategy  for  the 
protection 
sustainable 
and 
management of forest resources; 

Attainment  of  a  target  of  42%  of 
electricity 
from 
renewable sources by 2020; 

production 

Achievement of the objectives set 
in  Morocco’s  Solar  Plan  and  the 
Moroccan Wind Energy Project 

MT 

-  Forestry  Policy 
Programme, 

Support 

Gradual 
legislation 

alignment  with  EU 

-  Support  for  the  introduction  of 
national  green  economy  and 
climate 
strategies, 
‘Making  a  Success  of  Advanced 
Status’  Programme  in  the  water 
sector, 

change 

at 
of 

Support 

operational 
- 
implementation  of  the  National 
Charter  on  the  Environment  and 
Sustainable Development 

ST 
Training  measures 
developing 
environmental groups;  

the 

aimed 
expertise 

Contribution of civil society to the 
processes  of  preparing  strategy 
documents 
and  programming;
Evaluation with the national NGO 
platform (GT-PEV) 

EN 

104 

EN 

 
  
 
  
  
 
  
Area 

Objectives 

Action by Morocco 

Timetable/Indicators 

EU support (*) 

The 
environment 
and sustainable 
development 

and 

General 
higher 
education  and 
vocational 
training 

19)  Improve  the  education 
that 
system  and  ensure 
and 
higher 
vocational 
are 
labour 
better  adapted 
market needs 

training 
to 

education 

(c) Continue to commit to combating climate 
change 

MT 

Implementation  of 
and Durban Agreements 

the  Cancun 

Implementation  of  the  national 
climate  change  strategy  and  of 
local  strategies  to  combat  global 
warming 

Promote 

(d) 
development 

sustainable 

business 

MT 

Establishment 
management 
practices 

best 
of 
streamlining 

and 

(a) Implement a strategy to tackle illiteracy  

ST 

programme 

for 
Support 
implementation  of  the  education 
strategy;  support  for  the  literacy 
strategy  (SPRING);  NHDI  II; 
Erasmus  Mundus,  Tempus  and 
new Erasmus for All programme, 
twinning schemes and support for 
mobility  under  the  ‘Making  a 
Success  of  Advanced  Status’ 
Programme 

(b)  Improve  access 
governance in school and higher education; 

to,  quality  of  and 

MT 

Reform  of  the  higher  education 

EN 

105 

EN 

 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
and 

and 
system 
regulatory  convergence  with  the 
aims of the Bologna Process; 

legislative 

Greater  opportunities  for  student 
and  academic  staff  mobility  in 
partnerships  with  universities; 
consolidation 
Quality 
Assurance  (in  particular  through 
setting-up  of  a  Quality 
the 
Assurance  Agency 
for  higher 
education) 

of 

Area 

Objectives 

Action by Morocco 

Timetable/Indicators 

EU support (*) 

and 

General 
higher 
education  and 
vocational 
training 

Implement 

(c) 
and 
higher 
vocational  training  reforms  to  ensure  that 
they  are  better  adapted  to  labour  market 
needs; 

education 

MT 

Improved  training  of  the  labour 
force  in  the  growth  sectors  of  the 
economy specified in the National 
Pact  for  Industrial  Emergence 
(aeronautical, 
automobile, 
electronics,  offshore,  agri-food 
and textile industries); 

Increase in the number of teachers 
and  places  available  for  students 
and  improvements  in  the  quality 
of training in the above areas 

Vocational 
support programme (SPRING) 

training 

strategy 

Research  and 
development, 

20)  Strengthen  capacity  in 
relation  to  the  information 

(a)  Implement 
‘Digital  Morocco  2013’ 

the  new  digital  strategy 
and  develop 

ST 

EN 

106 

EN 

 
  
 
 
  
information 
society 

society, 
innovation 

research 

and 

synergies with the Digital Agenda for Europe 
and  European  policies  on  the  information 
society; 

(b)  Build  the  research  capacity  of  Moroccan 
universities and research centres 

MT 

Development  of  the  network  of 
regulatory 
thematic 
NCPs; 
European 
convergence  with 
science and technology standards 

ST = Short term (by the end of 2014) 

MT = Medium term (by the end of 2017) 

EN 

107 

EN