EU Readies Fisheries Talks with Morocco in December or January
The European Commission has indicated that it is prepared to initiate fisheries negotiations with Morocco in December or January, provided that governments approve the necessary mandate. An EU official shared this information, highlighting that the full package of proposals will be presented to the Council’s working party in the coming week.
During this week’s working party meeting, the Commission provided what the official described as a “very general presentation” regarding the future of the fisheries agreement. The presentation included a note on the reduced fishing opportunities under the next protocol. Several member states participated in the discussion, expressing their support for the renewal of the protocol. However, they also requested more detailed information on the proposed framework.
In response, the Commission confirmed that it would present the entire package at the next working party session, allowing governments to review the proposal thoroughly. The goal is to open negotiations with Morocco before the end of the year or, at the latest, in January. However, the exact start date depends on when EU governments grant the negotiating mandate.
The EU–Morocco fisheries agreement remains one of the most sensitive external fisheries files within the bloc. The previous protocol expired in July 2023 after the EU Court ruled that agreements covering the Moroccan Sahara require consent from the people of the territory. Since then, EU fleets, particularly those from Spain and Portugal, have been excluded from Moroccan waters. This exclusion has placed significant pressure on ports and coastal communities that depend on the deal.
For over a year, Spain has been advocating for the EU to expedite the process, warning of economic losses affecting hundreds of vessels. France, Denmark, and the Netherlands have also urged a swift renewal, emphasizing the importance of the agreement for shared stock management, scientific cooperation, and monitoring activities in the Atlantic zone.
Morocco has shown openness to renewing the partnership but has requested stronger guarantees regarding investment, local development, and monitoring. The country is advancing its national fisheries strategy, which could influence how many licenses it is willing to offer in the next protocol.
The Commission’s full presentation next week will provide governments with the clarity needed to finalize the mandate. If the approval is granted quickly, both sides hope to begin negotiations before the end of the year and work toward finalizing a new agreement.
Key Points from the Negotiations
- The European Commission aims to start negotiations with Morocco in December or January.
- The timing depends on the approval of the negotiating mandate by EU governments.
- The previous protocol expired due to legal challenges related to the Moroccan Sahara.
- EU fleets from Spain and Portugal have been excluded from Moroccan waters since the protocol ended.
- Spain has been pushing for a faster renewal, citing economic concerns.
- Other EU countries, including France, Denmark, and the Netherlands, have also emphasized the importance of the agreement.
- Morocco is seeking stronger guarantees on investment and local development.
- The Commission will present the full package to the working party next week, offering more details on the proposed framework.
Implications for the Future
The renewed agreement could have far-reaching implications for both the EU and Morocco. It would not only affect fishing activities but also strengthen cooperation in areas such as scientific research and environmental monitoring. The success of the negotiations will depend on the willingness of both parties to address each other’s concerns and find a mutually beneficial solution.
With the upcoming presentation, the EU is taking a critical step toward resolving the ongoing fisheries dispute. If the negotiations proceed smoothly, the new agreement could bring stability to the sector and ensure continued collaboration between the two regions.