16/04/2018 (Agence Europe) – On Monday 16 April, the EU Council of Ministers adopted, without debate, a recommendation authorising the European Commission to open talks with a view to amending the fisheries partnership agreement with Morocco (see EUROPE 11986). The EU Court of Justice takes the view that the agreement reached in 2006 is in line with EU law, as it is not applicable to western Sahara (see EUROPE 11970). The protocol in place, which covers the period 2014-2018, is about to expire. It provides for 126 European fishing vessels (from 11 member states), including 99 Spanish vessels, having authorisation to fish in Moroccan waters. The EU pays €30 million annually, including €14 million for supporting the development of Morocco’s fisheries sector. (LC)