Spanish Minister: Morocco is an Indispensable Partner in Fisheries and Agriculture
During a general session in the Spanish Parliament in Madrid, Spanish Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, Luis Planas, affirmed that Morocco remains a strategic partner that is essential for Spain and the European Union, particularly in the areas of fisheries and agriculture. He highlighted that the stability of the Kingdom and its clear vision for regional cooperation make it a fundamental pillar in Mediterranean European policy.
Planas’ statements were made in response to an inquiry from the Galician Nationalist Bloc (BNG), where he clarified that there is an intention to reach a new agreement between the European Union and Morocco in the near future, which would enhance existing cooperation and provide broader prospects for European and Spanish fishing fleets, following the suspension of the previous protocol in 2023.
The minister recalled the previous agreement made in 2019, which allowed 128 European vessels, including 93 Spanish ones, to fish in Moroccan waters for an annual fee of €52.2 million. He emphasized that marine cooperation with Morocco has proven successful and economically viable, and its renewal represents a mutual interest for both parties.
Planas explained that the European Commission and the Council of the European Union are working on adapting agreements to European judicial rulings, ensuring compliance with laws without harming strategic interests in relations with Morocco. He noted that this adaptation includes two main dimensions: the origin of agricultural and marine products and the impact of agreements on the populations of Morocco’s southern regions, as part of a balanced approach reflecting European awareness of Morocco’s importance in food and maritime security.
The Spanish minister concluded his remarks by asserting that Madrid will continue to defend the interests of the Spanish fishing sector within the European Union, stating that Morocco constitutes a reliable and strategic partner for Spain, and that the future of cooperation between the two sides is headed towards reinforcing partnerships based on mutual respect for interests and the sustainable development of marine resources.
