The Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and Morocco: What You Need to Know
The Fisheries Partnership Agreement (FPA) between the European Union (EU) and Morocco has been a topic of contention for many years. It is a complex issue, involving environmental concerns, economic interests, and political implications. In this article, we will provide an overview of the FPA and the current state of affairs.
What is the Fisheries Partnership Agreement?
The FPA is a bilateral agreement between the EU and Morocco that was first signed in 2006 and renewed in 2013. It allows EU vessels to fish in Moroccan waters in exchange for financial compensation paid by the EU to Morocco. This compensation is intended to support sustainable fisheries policies in Morocco and improve the living conditions of local fishermen.
The FPA is part of the EU`s Common Fisheries Policy, which aims to ensure the sustainability of fisheries in European waters and in waters outside the EU where EU vessels operate. The agreement covers a wide range of fish species, including sardines, anchovies, tuna, and swordfish, among others.
Controversies surrounding the FPA
The FPA has been the subject of controversy for many years, with environmentalists, human rights activists, and local fishermen`s associations raising several concerns.
Environmental concerns: Environmentalists argue that the FPA undermines the sustainability of fish stocks in Moroccan waters. They claim that EU vessels overfish the area and lead to the depletion of fish populations, which can have severe ecological consequences. Additionally, fishermen from coastal communities in Morocco, who rely on fishing for their livelihoods, have reported significant declines in fish stocks.
Human rights concerns: Human rights activists argue that the FPA violates the rights of the Sahrawi people, who have been living under Moroccan occupation for over four decades. They claim that the agreement allows EU vessels to operate in waters off the coast of Western Sahara, which is not recognized as part of Morocco under international law. Activists have called for the EU to respect the Sahrawi people`s right to self-determination and not to fish in their waters without their consent.
Political implications: The FPA has further political implications, given that Western Sahara is a disputed territory. The agreement has raised concerns about the EU`s position on the ongoing conflict between Morocco and the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for Western Sahara. Activists argue that the FPA undermines the EU`s credibility as a defender of human rights and self-determination.
Current state of affairs
The FPA between the EU and Morocco is up for renewal in July 2021, and negotiations are ongoing. The European Parliament has called for the agreement`s renegotiation and urged the EU to ensure that the deal respects international law and the rights of the Sahrawi people. The Moroccan government has stated that it will not accept any changes to the agreement`s terms and that the EU should not interfere in its domestic affairs.
Conclusion
The FPA between the EU and Morocco is a complex issue with environmental, human rights, and political implications. As negotiations for the agreement`s renewal continue, it is crucial to consider the impact that the deal has on local communities, the environment, and the principles of international law. It is up to the EU and the Moroccan government to ensure that the agreement`s terms are fair and sustainable and that they respect the rights of all people affected by it.