Brussels Eyes Fishing Pact Revival for Spain in Morocco

The article discusses Brussels' movement to revive the fishing agreement with Morocco, which has remained largely dormant since the protocol's expiration in July 2023. This expiration has prevented the European fleet from fishing in Moroccan waters. Spain was the main beneficiary of the previous agreement, obtaining 72% of the fishing licenses, but the current situation reflects Morocco's diminished political and economic reliance on fishing agreements—especially following the U.S. recognition of Western Sahara and shifts in international positions that have reduced the political significance of the agreement. Rabat views maintaining the agreement in a “dormant” state as a strategy that allows it to diversify its economic partners and preserve a future bargaining chip. Meanwhile, Brussels shows a desire to resume negotiations for a new agreement, especially after the European Court’s ruling to annul the 2019 deal. Amid changing political and economic dynamics, the fishing issue remains a key element of relations between Morocco and the European Union—particularly Spain—where Morocco tends to avoid reinstating the agreement under previous terms, while keeping its economic interests open to multiple options. Conversely, the European Union needs to regain momentum on this file.

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