Strengthening Cross-Border Cooperation Between Andalusia and Morocco
On June 22, 2026, the VI AN-MAR Forum commenced in Tangier, highlighting the pivotal role of decentralized municipal cooperation between local governments in Andalusia and Morocco. Paco Reyes, the provincial deputy and president of the Andalusian Fund of Municipalities for International Solidarity (FAMSI), emphasized the necessity of municipalism and the invaluable experience provided by the AN-MAR Network. This network serves as a crucial link for municipalities on both shores, fostering collaboration amidst challenges that threaten to undermine such initiatives.
During the forum's inauguration, Reyes was joined by notable figures such as Abdelouahhab El Jabri, the Moroccan Ministry of Interior's Area of Cooperation and Documentation governor, and Mohamed Sefiani, the Mayor of Chefchaouen and president of the AN-MAR Federation. Reyes articulated a pressing concern: as multilateral organizations face challenges in addressing current crises, it becomes imperative to ensure the availability of funds and resources to sustain local public policies and services.
A Platform for Local Governance and Resilience
The VI AN-MAR Forum takes place at the Pavilion of Arts and Culture in Tangier, serving as a vital meeting point for the relationship between municipalities in Andalusia and Northern Morocco. This event is integrated within the framework of the World Congress of United Cities and Local Governments (CGLU) and the Global Summit of Local and Regional Leaders. Under the theme of "Decentralized Municipal Cooperation for Resilient Territories," the forum intends to establish a stable cross-border ecosystem that fosters multi-level governance alongside social, business, and academic actors from both regions.
This edition of the AN-MAR Forum has garnered significant institutional participation from both sides of the Strait. The federation currently includes over 60 local partners and collectives from Northern Morocco (the regions of Tangier-Tetouan-Alhucemas and La Oriental) along with municipalities and provincial councils that are part of FAMSI. The Provincial Council of Jaén, along with mayors and councilors from Jaén, Escañuela, and Torreperogil, also participated in this important dialogue.
The forum's agenda revolves around multi-level governance and territorial resilience, structured around three main discussion axes: local diplomacy, which explores co-development alliances in strategic sectors such as the blue economy, agro-industry, and climate transition. Additionally, the modernization of cooperation instruments is under review to shift from isolated projects to a stable structural ecosystem aimed at optimizing basic public services, generating employment, and retaining talent within local territories.
Furthermore, a panel dedicated to best practices will facilitate the exchange of real experiences regarding participatory budgets with a gender perspective, the digitalization of administration, feminist leadership in municipal management, and innovative projects related to green circular labor migration. The outcomes of these discussions will help shape the cross-border roadmap for the coming years, aligning with the Agenda 2030 goals.
As reported by dipujaen.es.
