Spain Wants ‘Continuity’ of Fisheries Agreement with Morocco

Spain has defended, Wednesday, the continuity of the fisheries agreement between Morocco and the European Union, stressing the vital importance of this agreement for Spanish fishermen. “We want the continuity of the agreement (…) in the framework of the relations of cooperation and friendship that we have with Morocco,” said Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, in reaction to the decision of the European Court of First Instance on Morocco/EU agriculture and fisheries agreements. Morocco is a “strategic partner” and an “important fishing area” for the European and Spanish fleet, since of the 132 vessels that fish in its waters, 93 are Spanish, stressed Planas. Despite the court’s decision, both agreements “remain in force” at least for some time, he said.