Overview
Status: Dormant
The European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco have had a fisheries partnership since 1995. Their sustainable fisheries partnership agreement (SFPA) entered into force on 18 July 2019, lasting for four years and renewing automatically.
The most recent protocol ended on 17 July 2023.
A dormant agreement means that the partnership exists, but there is no active protocol. As a result, with no rules on catches and contributions, the EU fleet cannot fish in the waters of Morocco. This also applies to direct licencing, in line with the agreement’s exclusivity clause and the common fisheries policy article 31(5).
However, dormant agreements can still be used for discussions and cooperation on fisheries issues.
News
On 5 and 6 March, the EU as a Chair of the coastal states consultations on mackerel, called for a meeting with a view to continuing discussions towards a comprehensive sharing arrangement and ensuring the sustainable management of this ailing fishery.
The European Commission has launched a four-week public call for evidence to help design a comprehensive new strategy for the EU's islands.
The European Commission has adopted a EU Industrial Maritime Strategy and a Ports Strategy to drive competitiveness, sustainability, decarbonisation, security and resilience within the EU's wider waterborne sector. The Strategies focus on ports, shipping, and shipbuilding.