The European Union has reiterated its intention to begin negotiations with Morocco on a new sustainable fisheries partnership agreement as soon as possible, while stressing that no timetable has yet been set for formal or technical talks.
“The EU attaches great importance to its partnership with Morocco, which is a longstanding, comprehensive and deep partnership,” a European Commission spokesperson told Hespress.
“We have expressed on several occasions our intention to start negotiations on a new Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement at the earliest possible opportunity,” the spokesperson said.
There is currently “no timetable for negotiation rounds or technical talks,” the Commission added. “We are ready to negotiate when Morocco is ready to do so.”
Brussels said it has already completed the retrospective and prospective assessment of the previous fisheries protocol required under the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy.
The evaluation identified both the achievements of the previous protocol and areas requiring improvement and will serve as a basis for the EU’s position in future negotiations.
The Commission said any new agreement would also need to take into account “the deteriorating state of several fish stocks targeted by the EU fleet.”
Brussels also intends to work with Rabat on an agreement that complies with rulings by the Court of Justice of the European Union and delivers “fair and equitable outcomes for all parties,” the spokesperson said.
The previous fisheries protocol expired on July 17, 2023, ending access for European vessels operating under the agreement.
Its non-renewal has particularly affected parts of Spain’s fishing fleet. Spanish industry groups have repeatedly called for a new protocol, arguing that vessels based in Andalusian ports including Barbate, Conil and Tarifa have few alternative fishing grounds.
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