The European Parliament adopted, on Tuesday in Strasbourg, by an overwhelming majority the new fisheries agreement between Morocco and the European Union (EU). This vote is the last step of validation at European level before the adoption by the Moroccan Parliament and the entry into force of this agreement, which sets the conditions of access for the European fleet and provides for the requirements of sustainable fishing. The adoption of the agreement by the European Parliament, with 415 votes in favor, 189 against and 49 abstentions out of 653 members present in plenary, is the culmination of a process of technical negotiations, legal validations and political consultations between Morocco and the EU characterized by serenity, trust and responsibility, in order to preserve the fundamental principles of territorial integrity, the Kingdom's economic interests and the multidimensional historical partnership between the two parties. It is a logical follow-up to recent positive developments in the bilateral strategic partnership, in particular the adoption of the agriculture agreement extending tariff preferences to products from the southern provinces of the Kingdom. The new fisheries agreement between Morocco and the EU was signed on 14 January in Brussels. Covering the fishing area from parallel 35 to parallel 22, i. e. from Cap Spartel in northern Morocco to Cap Blanc in southern Morocco, this agreement specifies, inter alia, the fishing areas and access conditions for the European fleet, with an increase in the financial contribution from an annual average of €40.0 million to €52.2 million (+30%). The agreement also includes provisions aimed at maximizing the benefits and advantages for local populations in the areas concerned. It also comprises technical requirements to preserve the sustainability of fisheries resources and protect the marine environment.
