The Euro-Moroccan fishing sector has united following a major court ruling.
The Joint Euro-Moroccan Commission of Fishing Professionals met last month to jointly address the options and challenges posed by the ruling of the General Court of the EU that annuls the sustainable fisheries partnership agreement with Morocco because the Court believes it was put in place without the consent of the people of Western Sahara.
At the meeting, sector representatives reinstated their commitment to work together with all stakeholders and policy makers to resolve the situation and prevent any damage to the industry, trade relationship and partnership between the two parties, said Europêche.
Good cooperation key
The Commission will be working on a declaration of intentions that conceptualises the fishing sector’s vision to ensure that the good cooperation between Morocco and the EU in sustainable fisheries can continue in the future.
The Commission analysed the Court decision in depth, particularly the socio-economic consequences and trade disruptions that a fisheries partnership agreement annulment would bring about.
All parties agreed on the positive role played by the agreement for both parties throughout the years, including the population of the Sahara, as well as its fundamental contribution to advance in the sustainable management of fishery resources.
The sector representatives said they consider the continuation of a fisheries partnership between the EU-Morocco to be crucial. The meeting allowed industry representatives to review other major areas of common interest in which the EU and Morocco are working together, which include regional fisheries, governance and neighbourhood policies.
A Commission presential meeting will take place early next year in Europe and will include the presentation of a roadmap for 2022.
