Brussels, 29/09/2011 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament (EP) is expected swiftly to agree to a one-year extension to the fisheries agreement between the EU and Morocco after a draft resolution calling for the matter to be referred to the Court of Justice to determine whether the agreement was consistent with the treaties was voted down.
The draft resolution garnered some support but was ultimately rejected by 302 votes to 221, with 30 abstentions. According to MEPs who oppose the extension of the agreement, “there is legal uncertainty as to whether the new protocol complies with international law as regard the socio-economic interests of the Non-Self-Governing Territory of Western Sahara and the exploitation of its natural resources, and thus as to whether the new protocol is compatible with the Treaties in this respect”.
The new protocol extends to the waters off the coast of the Western Sahara, which has been on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories since 1963. MEPs opposed to extension argue that it has not been clearly demonstrated that the EU financial contribution is used for the benefit of the people of the Western Sahara or that the socio-economic interests of the local population are taken into consideration.
Following the vote, Raül Romeva (Gren/EFA, Spain) said he was disappointed that once again “pressure from the Moroccan regime hasdetermined the position of some members of this Parliament. We were not asking our colleagues to vote for or against a government or a cause, but for compliance with international law”. He added: “I regret that the majority of my colleagues did not take this view and that with their vote they are contributing to a politically indefensible and legally unacceptable situation”
In the other camp, Alain Cadec (EPP, France) said: “We must approve the interim agreement quickly. Referral to the Court would mean a long procedure and could halt fishing opportunities from February 2012”.
He pointed out that the agreement was important for the European fleet. It allowed vessels flying the flags of 10 member states access to Moroccan waters “under good conditions”, he went on. He argued that the agreement was important for the Moroccans, too, “who have fulfilled their commitments, notably on aid for small-scale fishing along the whole coastline for which they are responsible, including the Western Saharan coast”. The interim fisheries partnership agreement extends the former fisheries agreement, and will expire on 27 February. For the period after that date, a new agreement will be negotiated between Morocco and the European Commission.
Next steps. The Council has already approved this agreement.
The EP fisheries committee vote will take place at the meeting on 22-23 November. The final plenary session vote will be held in December. (LC/transl.rt)