Morocco-EU fishing agreement: What does the future of bilateral cooperation look like?

Morocco and the EU reiterated their commitment to deepen their cooperation on fisheries, announcing that the bilateral fishing agreement will be extended, as it is set to expire on June 17.

In a meeting of the Joint Commission, held Thursday in Brussels, the two parties have discussed ways to further strengthen their cooperation and ensure the sustainable management of fish stocks in the region.

The agreement provides for cooperation on a range of issues, including scientific research, technical assistance, and the fight against illegal fishing. Prior to yesterday’s announcement, Morocco had outlined a number of norms it wishes to include and respect for the future version of the agreement.

Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, had previously highlighted the government’s examination of the protocol, emphasizing Morocco’s desire for a partnership that considers its fisheries plan, Haliutis, as well as scientific and biological factors.

He expressed Morocco’s preference for more advanced partnerships that promote stronger Moroccan added value. Bourita stressed that ongoing dialogue and cooperation with European partners remain crucial.

In a statement to Hespress English, Karima Rhanem, the president of the International Center for Diplomacy, noted that “Morocco is in a more position today to negotiate conditions on this agreement than any other time. Certainly there will be a lot of noise around this agreement in addition to lobbying and putting pressure on the EU not to sign the agreement based on the EU Court of Justice Decision.”

Rhanem added that “Morocco would also evaluate the impact of this agreement on the Moroccan fisherman and the fishery sector when it comes to natural resources so that this agreement would be mutually beneficial for both Morocco and the EU.”

Moroccan fisheries operators have previously  expressed reservations about the current deal. In exchange for granting access to EU vessels Morocco receives only 208 million euros, a majority of which is allocated to developing the fisheries sector. In contrast, Morocco exports fisheries products worth 2.5 billion dollars to the EU market.

Under the existing agreement, Morocco received 208 million euros from the EU over a four-year period, allowing approximately 128 vessels, mostly Spanish, to operate in its waters. However, the deal was declared null by a European court in 2021 due to its inclusion of Sahara waters, although the ruling is currently under appeal by the European Commission.

In this regard, Rhanem said that “Morocco has announced a few months ago that it will evaluate most of the economic agreements and will not sign further agreements unless they incorporate Moroccan southern provinces.” 

King Mohammed VI has consistently affirmed Morocco’s commitment to economic steps that encompass all its territories, including the Sahara, firmly asserting Rabat’s stance on territorial integrity and economic sovereignty.

Rhanem stated that preconditioned inclusion of southern provinces in the agreements “will make the negotiations between Morocco and the EU difficult.”

However, “Morocco has already shown to the world that the Autonomy Plan is not just a realistic solution it proposed on paper but paved the ground via  the level of socio-economic investment in the Southern provinces. This has certainly led more than 30 foreign consulates to open in Dakhla and Laayoune with interesting investments in the region.”

Rhanem highlighted Spain’s significant role in the negotiations as the current EU chair and a major beneficiary of the agreement, especially given its support for the Moroccan Autonomy Plan. “Spain will play a key role in the upcoming negotiations to happen soon in Brussels as it will be the main loser if this agreement is not signed as it is the biggest beneficiary,” she added.

Spain’s Agriculture Minister, Luis Planas, has previously urged the EU to work with Morocco towards a swift renewal of the agreement before its expiration. 

As Morocco reviews its fisheries agreement with the EU, the negotiations and outcomes will undoubtedly shape the future relationship between the two parties.