Brussels, 23/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission and Morocco have made progress in their discussions on the conclusion of a fisheries agreement. The third round of negotiations took place on 15-16 January in Rabat in a “constructive atmosphere” and, according to a Commission press release, allowed the points of view to be brought closer together on the size of fishing quotas and subsequent financial arrangements. The Commission stated that “the parties agreed to consider an increase of fishing opportunities, whereas technical conditions are being revised for certain fishing categories, with a view of optimising future fishing effort. An exchange of views has also taken place about the envisaged financial support of the fishing sector, with regard to programming, implementation and reporting conditions”.
The first two rounds of negotiations already succeeded in sealing the agreement on the technical conditions applying to the EU under the new protocol.
It was also agreed to step up discussions over the next few weeks, with another round planned in Brussels at the end of January. (FB/transl.fl)