The current sustainable fisheries partnership agreement concluded between the EU and Morocco entered into force on 18 July 2019 and is tacitly renewed. Its first implementing protocol had a duration of four years covering the period 18 July 2019 – 17 July 2023. It expired on 17 July 2023.
Main features of the SFPA
Duration of the agreement
Unlimited
Duration of the protocol
No protocol in force
Nature of the SFPA
Mixed agreement
History
The first fisheries agreement concluded between the EU and Morocco dates back to 1995. At that time, it was by far the most important fisheries agreement between the EU and a third country. However, the parties did not reach an agreement to renew the protocol in 1999 and there was no agreement until the fisheries partnership agreement in February 2007.
On 17 July 2019, a new sustainable fisheries partnership agreement came into force. An exchange of letters concerning certain provisions of the agreement form an integral part of it.
Scientific advice
During the period covered by the agreement, the parties shall cooperate to monitor the state of resources in the fishing zone. Therefore, a joint scientific meeting (JSM), composed of EU and Moroccan scientific experts, is set up to convene annually. The Joint Committee (JC) consult each other based on the conclusions of the JSM and the best available scientific advice.
Documents
Current legal framework
Conclusion of the sustainable fisheries partnership agreement, adopted by Council Decision (EU) 2019/441 of 4 March 2019.
Agreement between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco (OJ L 77, 20.3.2019).