Trilateral Agreement to Enhance Judicial Cooperation
In a significant step towards fostering transnational judicial cooperation, the Justice Ministers of Spain, Portugal, and Morocco convened in Rabat to establish a comprehensive plan aimed at enhancing collaborative efforts from 2026 to 2030. This initiative coincides with the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2030, which will be a landmark event as it will take place across two continents for the first time in history. Spain is set to host the majority of the matches, utilizing 11 stadiums, while Morocco and Portugal will contribute 6 and 3 stadiums, respectively.
During this crucial meeting, Spain's Minister of the Presidency, Justice, and Relations with the Courts, Félix Bolaños, formalized the commitment through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Portugal’s Justice Minister, Rita Júdice, and Morocco’s Justice Minister, Abdellatif Ouahbi. This MoU builds upon earlier bilateral agreements signed between Morocco and Portugal in January 2025, and between Morocco and Spain in March 2025, and will remain in effect until December 31, 2030. The agreement is designed to be flexible, with provisions for review or extension should all parties agree.
Scope and Objectives of the Cooperation Framework
The cooperation framework outlined in the MoU encompasses seven key areas, including mutual judicial assistance and coordination among central authorities, the promotion of digital justice, and strengthening efforts against crime and cybercrime. Minister Bolaños emphasized that this framework is a holistic approach tailored to effectively tackle the challenges associated with organizing such a significant event as the World Cup.
Moreover, this agreement is pivotal in solidifying the trust-based relationships between Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. It leverages Spain's strategic position and extensive experience to act as a direct liaison between Morocco and the European Union. Historically, Spain has maintained a robust, stable, and high-quality judicial cooperation with both Portugal and Morocco, owing to its unique geographical positioning.
The FIFA World Cup presents an opportunity not only to enhance trilateral cooperation but also to reinforce existing mechanisms and showcase the maturity of the relationships among the three nations. Furthermore, it allows for the exploration of developing digital means for the rapid and secure exchange of requests, documents, and judicial information pertinent to the tournament. Following the trilateral meeting, Minister Bolaños participated in a gala dinner with his counterparts and other dignitaries, including Morocco’s Minister of Education and Sports, the deputy minister of Budgets, and the president of the Moroccan Football Federation.
Prior to the trilateral discussions, Minister Bolaños also paid a visit to the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, reflecting the cultural ties and mutual respect among the participating nations. This trilateral agreement marks a significant milestone as Spain, Portugal, and Morocco prepare for the historic FIFA World Cup 2030.
As reported by lamoncloa.gob.es.
