The European Union is striving to ensure the continuity and sustainability of its fishing partnership with Morocco. Morocco considers Western Sahara as part of its territory, while the Polisario Front, supported by Algeria, seeks to establish an independent state in Western Sahara.
The European Commission has appealed the ruling after issuing a joint statement with Morocco indicating that they will take action to ensure the continuation of bilateral trade relations. No final ruling has yet been issued, and the fishing agreement is set to expire next Monday.
The European Union reiterated in a statement "the utmost importance it attaches to its fishing partnership with the Kingdom of Morocco and its significant interest in its continuity." Both parties stated they will continue scientific cooperation to ensure resource sustainability.
Under this agreement, the European Union contributes 208 million euros over four years. Most fishing vessels operating in waters controlled by Morocco under the agreement are Spanish vessels. Official statements indicated that Morocco's fishery exports increased by 13% to 2.8 billion dollars in 2022.
