Morocco is calling on the European Union to demonstrate its dedication to the Morocco-EU partnership through concrete action, not just rhetoric, Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita said on Monday.
Bourita said the EU-Morocco relationship is at a “critical juncture” during a press briefing in Rabat following discussions with Olivér Várhelyi, the EU Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Policy.
The statements come weeks after the European Court of Justice (CJEU) upheld a decision to invalidate the EU-Morocco fisheries agreement.
The invalidated agreement, which expired in July 2023, had allowed EU fishing fleets, predominantly from Spain, to operate in Moroccan waters in exchange for financial compensation totaling EUR 208.7 million over four years.
The court’s verdict follows a 2021 judgment by CJEU that ruled in favor of the Polisario Front, a separatist group seeking independence for Morocco’s Sahara region. The armed militia claimed that the deal was made without the consent of the Sahrawi people.
“What is said in Brussels and other European capitals about the importance of this partnership must be reflected on the ground,” Bourita said. He added that the EU should defend its partnership with Morocco against “legal and economic blackmail and harassment.”
The diplomat pointed out that Morocco is closely observing how the EU responds to these provocations, expecting decisive policies and measures to address the challenges facing the partnership.
The foreign minister criticized certain practical actions by the EU that, in his view, contradict its stated commitment to the partnership. Bourita called for concrete proposals and solutions to overcome the current obstacles. “The ball is now in the EU’s court to find solutions,” he noted.
Citing King Mohammed VI’s recent Green March anniversary speech, Bourita reiterated that no partnership could come at the expense of Morocco’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty. “For Morocco, there can be no compromises on our red lines,” Bourita declared.
The minister made Morocco’s stance clear saying it remains committed to the partnership but not “at any price.” He added that the Kingdom expects a genuine engagement from the EU. “Morocco expects tangible evidence of commitment to this partnership in the coming weeks and months.”
Despite the court’s ruling against the agreement, Spain, among other European countries, voiced its support for Morocco.
Luis Planas, Spain’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, said in the lead-up to the CJEU ruling that the verdict will not jeopardize the strong and stable relationship between Spain and Morocco.
“Regardless of the outcome of tomorrow’s ruling, our relations with Morocco and the European Union remain strong and steadfast,” Planas stated. “We are committed to working diligently to ensure their continued stability.”