Brussels Acknowledges Oversight in Fishing Agreement Renewal with Morocco
The European Commission has publicly recognized its oversight regarding Morocco's aspirations for the renewal of the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA) during a recent statement to Hespress, a prominent Moroccan news outlet. The Commission underscored the significant importance of its partnership with Morocco, which is characterized by deep-rooted, comprehensive ties. Despite acknowledging this importance, Brussels has indicated that it has consistently expressed its intention to initiate negotiations for a new fisheries agreement at the earliest possible opportunity.
A spokesperson for the Commission clarified that, at this juncture, there is no established timeline for negotiation rounds or technical discussions. "We are prepared to negotiate when Morocco is ready for such discussions," the spokesperson stated, emphasizing the Commission's readiness to engage once Morocco gives the green light.
The spokesperson elaborated that, in accordance with the Common Fisheries Policy, the Commission has conducted a thorough evaluation of the protocol previously signed between the European Union and Morocco. This assessment has highlighted both the successes of the existing protocol and areas where improvements are necessary. The findings will serve as a foundation for future negotiations, aiming to create a mutually beneficial agreement.
Moreover, the Commission stressed the importance of considering the declining status of numerous fish stocks targeted by the European fleet in forthcoming negotiations. The spokesperson affirmed that the EU is committed to collaborating closely with its Moroccan partners to develop an agreement that aligns with the rulings of the European Court of Justice, ensuring fair and equitable outcomes for all parties involved.
In response to inquiries from Hespress about how Brussels is addressing the concerns of fishing professionals and associations within the EU, including the Spanish fleet that has been significantly impacted by the non-renewal of the fishing agreement with Morocco, the spokesperson confirmed that the EU maintains ongoing communication with Spain and the affected sector. The European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) has previously provided support, and efforts continue to identify alternative fishing opportunities for the affected fleets.
The expiration of the fishing protocol between Morocco and the EU has sparked considerable concern within the Spanish fishing sector, which is recognized as the most affected by this cessation of agreement. The Spanish Federation of Fisheries (Cepesca) has repeatedly urged EU legislators to work towards establishing a framework that would facilitate the renewal of the fishing protocol associated with the agreement between Rabat and Brussels, which lapsed in July 2024 and previously permitted the European fleet, particularly the Spanish vessels, to fish in Moroccan waters.
In an official statement, the Spanish professional organization highlighted that the failure to renew the fishing protocol with Morocco would create significant challenges for fleets that have limited alternatives available, such as the Spanish trawlers and the longline fleets primarily based in ports like Barbate, Conil, and Tarifa in Andalusia. The statement further emphasized that the fisheries accessible under this agreement have played a crucial role in delivering millions of meals daily to the EU, underscoring the economic importance of this partnership.
As reported by hespress.com.
