In the absence of a renewed accord between the concerned parties, the Morocco-EU fishing protocol officially lapsed on Monday, July 17. The Spanish stakeholders now find themselves caught in a relentless race against time, seeking to navigate the intricate negotiations and secure a favorable resolution swiftly.
The Spanish Minister of the Interior stressed on Sunday July 16 that the negotiations for the renewal of the protocol are at an “advanced stage”, noting that the government has already prepared “the necessary aid” for the fishermen affected.
This aid was also published in the Spanish Official Bulletin (BO) and was officially announced by the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Luis Planas, during a visit to Vigo (north-west of Spain ).
The aid will be intended for all “Spanish fishermen, nationals of Member States of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland, and foreigners with residence and work permits in force, embarked on Spanish fishing vessels,” reads the soundtrack. The budget co-financed by Spain and the European Council amounts to 302,000 euros 120,000 will be allocated to shipowners and 182,000 to crew members.
The Morocco-EU fishing agreement remains in force. The implementation of the Fisheries Protocol in this context “has been satisfactory, positive and mutually beneficial during these four years”, underlined the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, noting that a reflection “is in progress within of the Moroccan government” about the future of the Fisheries Agreement.