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EU court to rule on Morocco fisheries agreement appeal October 4

EUROPEAN UNION
Monday, September 30, 2024, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) is set to issue its decision on October 4 regarding an appeal filed by the Council of the European Union, challenging the annulment of a fisheries agreement between the EU and Morocco, according to Hespress. This appeal comes after a 2021 ruling in which the ECJ declared the agreement invalid, a move that has sparked intense debate over the future of EU-Morocco economic cooperation, particularly in the fisheries and trade sectors.

EU institutions, including the Council and the Commission, argue that the previous ruling was flawed, claiming it set a “precedent-setting error.” The initial case was driven by legal challenges from the Polisario Front, which claims to represent the Sahrawi people. However, the EU institutions maintain that the Polisario Front lacks the legal authority to represent the people of the southern regions in this matter and that the ruling contradicts established legal norms.

Morocco has called on the EU to maintain its partnership with the Kingdom, urging it to protect this relationship from political interference. Despite the tensions, the EU remains keen on preserving its long-standing economic ties with Morocco, especially concerning the southern regions.

The fisheries agreement, which expired on July 17, 2023, allowed approximately 128 European vessels to fish in Morocco's Atlantic waters. In return, Morocco received an annual payment of 208 million euros, with the annual catch under this protocol ranging between 80,000 and 100,000 metric tons. The outcome of the appeal could have significant ramifications for both sides.

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