On Monday 2 December, members of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade (INTA) were very disappointed by the European Commission’s response to the EU Court of Justice’s decision to uphold the annulment of the EU-Morocco agreements on trade in agricultural products and fisheries (cases T-279, 344 and 356/19) (see EUROPE 13497/12). During an exchange of views, representatives of the Directorate-General for Trade (TRADE) and the Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (TAXUD) did not provide MEPs with any information on the next steps to be taken to ensure the continuity of the partnership with Morocco.
“To be honest, I'm not really satisfied”, lamented INTA committee chair Bernd Lange (S&D, German), after the European Commission’s intervention. His colleague Daniel Caspary (EPP, German) echoed his views: “I am disappointed that, after all this time, the Commission has not given us any substantial information”.
All groups had the same message and urged the Commission to find solutions quickly. “I feel there’s a certain lack of consideration for the European Parliament when it comes to the lack of answers and solutions”, said Christophe Bay (PfE, French).
The European Commission has stated that it is still analysing the implications of the judgment and is unable to give any further details at this stage.
According to Kathleen van Brempt (S&D, Belgian), who was permanent rapporteur for relations with Morocco under the previous mandate, the European Parliament has long called for a reaction to the Court’s initial judgment in 2021 and the preparation of a plan B. “Either you haven’t prepared it and there’s a problem, or you have and you’re afraid to propose a solution”, she said. (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)