On 24 September 2025, the FGV Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ programme, in partnership with the FGV Centre for Global Law, was honored to welcome Prof. Monique Sochaczewski Goldfeld, Senior Researcher at the Brazilian Center for International Relations (CEBRI) and Professor at the Brazilian Institute for Education, Development, and Research (IDP). The class was part of the third edition of the Rio School on Global Governance, Democracy and Human Rights.

Prof. Sochaczewski Goldfeld analyzed Morocco’s role in the current geopolitical scheme, from both a European Union (EU) and a Brazilian point of view. She began with an overview of the country’s rich and ancient history, which is permeated by a strong religious monarchy, the ethnic fusion of Amazigh and Arab peoples, and the influence of Islam and religious minorities like Judaism. Then, the class considered Morocco’s relations with the EU, including a Joint Declaration on a Mobility Partnership signed in June 2013 that aims to counter immigration to Europe.

The second part of the lecture examined the growing relevance of Morocco for Brazil, given its strategic relations with Europe, Africa, the Arabian Gulf and its increasingly active role in the South Atlantic. Like Brazil, Morocco aims to be a leader in the Global South. In the face of global disorder, the connections between both countries have direct potential in green energy, tourism, fertilizers, family farming, as well as education and culture.

We extend our sincere thanks to Prof. Monique Sochaczewski Goldfeld for an insightful and engaging session.