The European Union and Political Reform in Morocco

Abstract: Morocco is typically held up as a shining example of reform among Arab countries. Indeed, a series of important reforming measures has been taken during the last decade, leading to a level of political liberalism unseen in the region. The European Union and its member states have been key partners for Morocco on its way towards economic, social and political reform through substantial financial and political support. As of today, Morocco is the country which receives the largest amount of EU aid in the European Neighbourhood. At the same time, while the EU pushes economic reforms and integration vigorously forward, it displays far less stamina when it comes to putting pressure on Moroccan political elites to implement meaningful political reform. There is no doubt that the political reforms undertaken under the reign of King Mohammed VI have turned Morocco into an island of liberalism compared to its autocratic neighbours. Yet hopeful European talk of a regional model of democratization is misplaced. Political reforms, instead of being steps in a consistent, overarching process towards democracy, have been ad hoc, selective and often superficial. Most importantly, Morocco's semi-authoritarian power structures, and the concentration of all meaningful power in the hands of the palace, remain unchanged. Some wonder whether the upcoming new framework of EU-Moroccan partnership under the 'advanced status' will imply a substantive new impetus in this regard. Meanwhile, with the support of the EU and other international partners, Morocco is modernizing and partly liberalizing. But it remains far from - and might not even be heading towards - genuine democracy.