Rabat – The European Union has reaffirmed its commitment to a longstanding partnership with Morocco, even as a recent court ruling threatens to complicate their relationship.
Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, emphasized today the “immense value” of this collaboration during a press conference today following the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg.
Borrell described the relationship as “long-range, long-term, very dense and deep,” emphasizing the importance of strengthening cooperation in various sectors.
“We have established friendly relations and multifaceted cooperation with Morocco, which we wish to pursue and enhance in the months to come,” he stated, highlighting the EU’s intent to continue its engagement with the North African nation.
However, the recent ruling from the EU Court of Justice has cast a shadow over this partnership. On October 4, the court invalidated two key trade agreements concerning fisheries and agriculture, siding with the Polisario Front, which advocates for the independence of Western Sahara.
The court determined that these agreements were invalid due to a lack of consent from the Sahrawi people, who were deemed not sufficiently consulted in the negotiation process.
Borrell addressed the court’s decision, stating that EU foreign ministers had taken note of the implications for ongoing trade with Morocco. He reiterated the EU’s commitment to upholding its strategic partnership, as outlined in a joint declaration with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
This declaration affirms the bloc’s resolve to maintain close relations with Morocco across all areas of cooperation while adhering to international legal principles.
The ruling has immediate significance for Morocco, particularly regarding the financial support it expected from the now-invalidated fishing agreement, which had projected an annual revenue of €52 million over four years.
Despite these challenges, Borrell expressed optimism about the EU-Morocco relationship. “In close collaboration with Morocco, we wish to preserve this partnership in all areas,” he concluded, signaling that while hurdles remain, the EU is determined to navigate them and strengthen its ties with Morocco moving forward.
