Press Release: EU-Morocco Fisheries Partnership Agreement to enter into force

The European Commission welcomed Morocco’s ratification of a Fisheries Protocol in July 2014, which is set to open the door for European vessels to go back fishing in Moroccan waters after a pause of more than two years.

The European Union and Morocco concluded the 4-year fisheries deal in December 2013, however its entry into force was pending ratification by Morocco. Now that both sides have concluded their ratification procedure, EU vessels was received certain fishing rights in Moroccan waters in return for financial assistance by the EU to develop the Moroccan fishery sector.

The protocol is the second most important of its kind and belongs to a new generation of fisheries agreements after the reform of the EU Common Fisheries Policy, placing a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, economic profitability and international legality.

ESO: Background information: Proposal for a Council Decision on the conclusion of the Protocol between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement in force between the two Parties http://www.europeansources.info/record/proposal-for-a-council-decision-on-the-conclusion-of-the-protocol-between-the-european-union-and-the-kingdom-of-morocco-setting-out-the-fishing-opportunities-and-financial-contribution-provided-for-in/

EurActiv, 25.02.15: Legality of the EU-Morocco fisheries agreement questioned http://www.euractiv.com/sections/global-europe/legality-eu-morocco-fisheries-agreement-questioned-312385

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