Morocco’s political stability as reliability for an effective partnership with EU

Morocco and the European Union have enjoyed a strong partnership since 1960 when a commercial agreement was reached. From the Association Agreement in 2000, serving as the legal foundation for the partnership, and the launch of the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) in 2004, to the establishment of the Union for the Mediterranean in 2008, Morocco has gradually become a privileged partner of the EU, whether it was in the political or the economic sector. However, Western Sahara Conflict is one of the main drawbacks of the relations between the EU and morocco. The Kingdom has long sought the European recognition of its sovereignty over the Western Sahara, which has long been a source of ambiguity within the EU, due to a tug-of-war between the legislative, executive, and judiciary powers of the Union and the different positions of the states within it. While the EU is reluctant to jeopardize the strong relations with an important neighbor, it is also reluctant to compromise its ethical commitment to support the pending UN peace process by recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the region. The mixed positions in the Union and its imbalance relationship with Morocco promoted a shift in the Moroccan foreign policy seeking support from the international community. However, The rebuilt strong ties Morocco has achieved recently and the development of its economy in recent years have led the country capable to defend a more equitable relationship with the European Union. However, even while this would be considered a win for Morocco, it will only aggravate the political instability of Morocco, which will impact Morocco's relationship with the EU.