The European Union begins negotiations for a new fishing agreement with Morocco, respecting its sovereignty over Western Sahara.
In a move reflecting the depth of the partnership between Morocco and the EU, Brussels is preparing to launch a new fishing agreement with Rabat, following the annulment of the previous agreement by the European Court of Justice in 2024. The European Commission seeks to find a compromise that respects Moroccan sovereignty over its territory, particularly Western Sahara, while ensuring the continuation of vital trade cooperation between the two parties.
The EU is initiating negotiations to establish a new protocol aimed at balancing compliance with the court’s ruling and protecting Moroccan interests, as products from Western Sahara are officially recognized as Moroccan. Rabat will have exclusive responsibility for issuing documents and certificates of conformity.
This measure is a clear acknowledgment of Morocco’s administrative and effective control over Western Sahara, aligning with the positions of several European countries that support autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as a solution to the conflict.
An informed source indicated that the EU aims to maintain its commercial interests with Morocco, its largest European partner in the region, after the cancellation of the previous agreement impacted around 120 fishing vessels. Additionally, several countries, including Russia, have expressed their desire to establish new agreements with Morocco.
These initiatives reflect the depth of the Morocco-EU partnership, which was established in 2000 and granted Morocco the status of “advanced partner” in 2008. This was further reinforced by a Euro-Moroccan partnership launched in 2019 to deepen economic and political cooperation. High-level consultations continue to ensure the stability of relations and to overcome any potential legal or economic challenges.
