Brussels, 18/11/2013 (Agence Europe) - As previously announced (see EUROPE 10960), the Council of Ministers of the EU adopted, without debate on Friday 15 November, a decision approving the signing of a new fisheries agreement between the EU and Morocco. One stage in the process still needs to be completed: that of the vote at the European Parliament, which is expected to take place next month. This could prove difficult, given the political difficulties surrounding the issue of the Western Sahara. The European Parliament's fisheries committee is expected to vote on 27-28 November on the report by Carmen Fraga Estévez (EPP, Spain) recommending that the conclusion of the EU-Morocco fisheries protocol be approved.
The new protocol covers a four-year period.
The Council also adopted the regulation on the allocation of fishing rights provided for in the fishing sector partnership agreement between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco. (LC/transl.fl)