RABAT, July 13 (Reuters) – The European Union said on
Thursday it wants to ensure the continuity and sustainability of
its fisheries partnership with Morocco.
This came in a joint statement with Morocco sent to Reuters
by the African kingdom’s foreign ministry, following an
assessment in Brussels of the four-year fisheries protocol by
the two parties.
The General Court of the European Union in 2021 annulled
EU-Morocco trade deals covering farm products and fish because
they were agreed to without the consent of the people of Western
Sahara.
Morocco regards Western Sahara as its own, while
Algeria-backed Polisario rebels have sought to establish an
independent state there.
The European Commission appealed the ruling after it issued
a joint statement with Morocco saying they would act to ensure
continuity of bilateral trade.
A final decision has not yet been made and the fisheries
deal expires on Monday.
The EU reaffirmed in the statement “the utmost importance it
gives to its fisheries partnership with the Kingdom of Morocco
and the high interest it has in its continuity.”
The two parties referred to the “positive” impact of the
deal on the local fisheries sector, according to the statement.
They did not mention the ongoing judicial process.
They will continue scientific cooperation to ensure
sustainability of resources, they said.
Morocco’s foreign minister, Nasser Bourita, said on
Wednesday that the government was assessing the protocol
prioritising its own fishing strategy and biological factors.
Morocco wants “partnerships with stronger added value”
instead of “resources in return for financial aid,” he said.
Under this deal the EU contributes 208 million euros
($233.42 million) over four years.
Most of the 128 fishing vessels operating in
Morocco-controlled waters under the deal are from Spain.
Morocco’s fisheries exports rose 13% to $2.8 billion in
2022, according to official data.
($1 = 0.8911 euro)
(Reporting by Ahmed Eljechtimi in Rabat
Editing by Matthew Lewis)
