European Parliament: EPP impressed by fast pace of reforms in Morocco

In the Arab region, Morocco is the country that has made the most significant democratic changes in a short time, the MEPs said at a discussion meeting with Moroccan MPs at the European Parliament in Brussels.

Finnish MEP (EPP Group) Sari Essayah said he was impressed by the speed with which substantial democratic changes were made in a sensitive geopolitical context.

The year 2011 marked an acceleration of these reforms that should be continued and strengthened, said the MEP.

"The EU must lend its full support for the strengthening of the democratic process and economic and social development of Morocco and its neighbors," he added.

For his part, MEP Jean Roatta said that Morocco is moving in the right direction and is undertaking unprecedented substantial reforms in the Arab world.

Given the importance of these reforms, the EU is expected to support Morocco which is among the few countries that provide a future for its population, he noted.

This meeting is part of a four-day exchange program initiated by the EPP Group in favor of a delegation of Moroccan MPs representing different Moroccan political trends.