Morocco awaits EU court decision on fishing deal

With just weeks until the European Court of Justice (ECJ) announces its decision on the future of the Morocco-EU fishing agreement, Moroccan professionals and experts are weighing in on the potential impact.

The agreement, which expired in July 2023, is crucial for both sides.

European fleets rely on access to Moroccan waters, while Morocco benefits from financial compensation and support for its fishing industry.

 Moroccan professionals urge the agreement to continue encompassing the  Sahara.  Concerns also exist around European fishing practices, with calls for quotas and a requirement for fish to be landed in Moroccan ports for monitoring and economic benefit.

As the court nears its decision, economic expert Khalid Homs, who spoke to Hespress AR, acknowledged the court’s independence, making predictions difficult.

The expert highlighted strong economic and political ties between Morocco and key European powers like France, Spain, and Germany, potentially influencing the decision.

Regardless, a negative ruling won’t significantly impact broader Morocco-EU relations, Homs said, citing Morocco’s firm diplomatic approach.

This ruling will determine whether negotiations to renew the agreement can proceed. The ruling relates to a 2021 decision by the EU’s General Court that annulled the fishing agreement due to its inclusion of the Western Sahara waters.

Initially, The European Court of Justice invalidated agreements between Rabat and Brussels due to conclusions drawn without the consent of citizens in the southern regions of Morocco. The European Commission is appealing the decision.

While reports suggested negotiations between Rabat and Madrid on the return of Spanish vessels to Moroccan waters, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water, and Forests denied these claims, emphasizing that EU member states cannot negotiate separately on this.