On Tuesday 20 January, the EU Council is expected to adopt without debate a decision authorising the opening of negotiations for a partnership agreement on sustainable fisheries and an implementing protocol with Morocco.
The Committee of Permanent Representatives of Member States to the EU (Coreper) approved this decision on Wednesday 14 January, according to two European sources.
The Commission will be empowered to conduct negotiations on behalf of the European Union. The future agreement will provide fishing opportunities for European vessels in the waters covered by the agreement (see EUROPE 13750/15). It will be negotiated independently of the agreement on tariff preferences between the EU and Morocco (see EUROPE 13724/30). However, the Commission will ensure alignment with the tariff agreement on common legal requirements stemming from the EU Court of Justice ruling of 4 October 2024.
On 20 January, the Council will also adopt an act authorising the Commission to negotiate a new protocol implementing the EU-Mauritania fisheries agreement. The current protocol covers the period 2021-2026 (see EUROPE 13461/5). (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)