Morocco, EU Strive for Continuity in Fisheries Partnership Despite Pending Court Decision

Morocco and the European Union (EU) are pushing for continuity in their fisheries partnership as the current four-year protocol, known as the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement, nears its expiration. A joint statement, following a review of the agreement in Brussels, emphasized a continued scientific collaboration with the “common objective of ensuring the sustainability” of fisheries resources in the region, according to Morocco’s official news agency MAP.

Introduced in February 2007, the agreement has been renewed thrice. However, its latest renewal was annulled by the EU Court of Justice in 2021, arguing it doesn’t apply to Western Sahara and its adjacent waters. The territory is claimed by Morocco, but the Algeria-based Polisario Front advocates for its independence.

While the European Commission appealed the verdict and vowed to uphold bilateral trade continuity, a final decision remains pending. With the expiration of the fisheries deal looming on July 17, both parties face uncertainty regarding the future of their partnership.