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A new article from the French news outlet Le Point emphasized the European Commission’s mounting pressure to find a solution for the fishermen affected by the European Court of Justice’s (ECJ) recent decision to invalidate agriculture and fisheries agreements with Morocco.
“The ECJ’s decision is an abuse of power,” underscored a senior EU official, speaking anonymously to Le Point, adding that “the Court is attempting to change the EU’s official position on a foreign policy matter through a single case.”
The senior official affirmed that the Lisbon Treaty prohibits the Court from overreaching its authority by determining the EU’s foreign policy, “a responsibility that lies solely with the Council.”
Le Point noted that the European Commission’s cautious response to the ECJ’s ruling reflects “internal unease,” citing the European Parliament’s Fisheries Committee meeting on October 17.
It mentioned that while the Commission is still reviewing the ruling’s consequences and urges against rushing, this contrasts with the urgency expressed by representatives from affected regions.
“It’s an admission of failure,” said Spanish Socialist MP Nicolas Gonzalez Casares, urging “the Commission to act more quickly due to the significant economic and social impact on Spain’s fishing industry.”
For context, the agreement allowed 128 EU vessels from 11 EU member states, including 93 from Spain, to fish in Moroccan waters. “For Spain, which relies on these waters for 20% of its total fish production, the stakes are particularly high,” says the French news outlet, “with the Cadiz region being the most affected by the ECJ’s decision.”
Le Point additionally warned of “the geopolitical implications of the ECJ’s decision,” with Spanish Socialist Casares stating that “EU delays could strengthen Morocco-Russia ties.”
Following the ruling, the Morocco-Russia fisheries agreement was extended until the end of 2024, “allowing Russian vessels an annual quota of 140,000 tons in Morocco’s Atlantic economic zone.”
A joint Morocco-Russia fisheries commission is also exploring future cooperation that could affect the entire Atlantic coast, raising concerns for both Brussels and Madrid, explained the same source.
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