馃嚥馃嚘MoroccoNorth Africa
Morocco and Council of Europe launch fifth phase of Neighborhood Partnership (2026-2029)
via Le Matin2 min read
Morocco and the Council of Europe have formally launched the fifth phase of their Neighborhood Partnership, covering the period 2026-2029. The launch ceremony, held in Rabat, brought together representatives from Moroccan departments and institutions involved in the partnership, officials from the Council of Europe's Rabat office, and ambassadors from Council of Europe member states accredited to Morocco. Discussions focused on the achievements and prospects of the new partnership, as well as tangible approaches for sustainable project implementation. Morocco has been engaged in extensive reforms to consolidate democracy, promote human rights, and strengthen the rule of law since King Mohammed VI's accession to the throne. This dynamic has led to significant progress, including the consolidation of democratic institutions enshrined in the 2011 Constitution, the strengthening of national mechanisms for human rights promotion and protection, ongoing judicial system reform, and the consecration of judicial independence. This partnership aligns with the King's vision to modernize institutions and adhere to international standards. Cooperation with Council of Europe bodies has deepened in areas such as audiovisual, where Morocco, through HACA, has been a member of the European Audiovisual Observatory's Executive Council since 2013, making it the only non-European country in its region to hold this position. Other areas of cooperation include sports and the promotion of gender equa
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Must ReadWildfires are raging across Spain and France, leading to the evacuation of over 270,000 people. In Spain, a smoke haze covers Madrid, with fires having ravaged up to 25,000 hectares west of the capital. Authorities in the Madrid region reported over 70,000 evacuations, including more than 1,200 elderly and disabled individuals from care facilities. Regional prefect Francisco Mart铆n Aguirre noted that while temperatures have dropped and humidity increased, erratic gusts of wind pose a challenge. Two distinct forest fires merged into a single large blaze, threatening to combine with another in the neighboring Castile and Le贸n region. In France, fires near the tourist-heavy Arcachon Basin have resulted in at least 200,000 evacuations since Wednesday evening from the Gironde and Landes departments. Prime Minister S茅bastien Lecornu announced the deployment of an A400M military transport aircraft equipped with a dropping kit. Residents of the Cap-Ferret peninsula near Bordeaux were ordered to evacuate by road and boat. Evacuees, like Olivier Stewart and Fr茅d茅ric Tavitian, described the stress and the sight of smoke columns resembling a volcano. Authorities stated that the fires have covered over 40,000 hectares, four times the size of Paris, and destroyed at least 100 buildings, making it the largest fire of the season. Both Spain and France have activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism, with Spain requesting four aerial firefighting assets and France receiving three from
Jorge Vilda, coach of Morocco's national women's football team, stated in an interview with MAP that the "Lionesses" will demonstrate full commitment and determination at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations CAN, which runs until August 16 in Rabat and Casablanca. Vilda emphasized that the team will strive to make Moroccans proud. He highlighted the tournament's significance as it also serves as a qualifier for next summer's Women's World Cup in Brazil. The primary objective is to reach the semi-finals to secure direct qualification for the World Cup. Vilda noted the importance of focusing on their first match against Kenya and progressing "step by step." After three seasons, Vilda believes the team has significantly improved, having observed over a hundred players to select a group of 26 internationals, which has expanded the national talent pool and increased internal competition. The former Spanish national team coach has focused on strengthening defensive solidity while developing offensive capabilities for more attractive and creative football. He also stressed the importance of the players' mindset, competitiveness, and commitment as foundations for their progress. Vilda views playing at home not as pressure, but as motivation, appreciating the public's expectations and the opportunity to perform before Moroccan supporters. Morocco is in Group A of the Women's CAN, alongside Senegal, Algeria, and Kenya.
Scientists have found evidence of recent volcanic activity on Venus, according to a study published in Nature Geoscience. The research indicates that some of Venus's large fault systems, similar to those on Earth like the East African Rift, developed much more recently than previously thought. To reach this conclusion, a team led by Professor Taras Gerya used high-resolution three-dimensional computer simulations, which more accurately reproduced the structure and formation of these faults. Xi Yang, the study's lead author, noted that this approach improves upon earlier work that relied on simplified models and two-dimensional simulations. Despite Venus lacking oceans and having surface temperatures of several hundred degrees, these findings strengthen the hypothesis that the planet may still harbor active volcanoes.