Responding to questions on the conclusions of the General Advocate of the Court of Justice of the European Union regarding the agricultural agreement and the maritime fishing agreement between Morocco and the EU, he indicated that Morocco reiterates its position which considers that “the European Union must, through its institutions and its member states, fully assume its responsibility for the preservation and protection of the partnership with Morocco in the face of provocations and political maneuvers.”
During a press briefing following the Governing Council, Mr. Baitas added that the Kingdom took note of the conclusions issued on Thursday by the Advocate General of the Court of Justice of the EU regarding the questions submitted to it in relation to the agricultural agreement and the maritime fishing agreement between Morocco and the EU.
These conclusions “are neither a judgment of the European Court nor a court order, but it is a document summarizing the opinion of the Advocate General on various aspects of these questions subject to debate”, he said. -he clarified.
The Minister also considered that this is therefore a contribution made by the Advocate General at this stage of the procedure in anticipation of the next deliberations between the judges of the Court, pending the delivery of the judgment final.
Furthermore, Mr. Baitas maintained that the Kingdom is not a party to this procedure, specifying that the European Union, represented by the Council of the EU, is the party in question, supported by the European Commission and several member countries in defending the agreements with Morocco.
And to add that certain Moroccan professional associations have also joined this procedure in support of defense, in particular the Moroccan Confederation of Agriculture and Rural Development (COMADER) and the Maritime Fishing Chambers.
Interview: Navigating the Waters of International Agreements – A Conversation with Agriculture and Fisheries Expert Dr. Elsayed Bachir
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we delve deep into pressing global topics with leading experts. Today, we have Dr. Elsayed Bachir, a renowned expert in international agricultural and fisheries agreements. Dr. Bachir, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Bachir: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss these important issues.
Editor: Let’s get straight to it. Recent statements from the General Advocate of the Court of Justice of the European Union concerning the agricultural and maritime fishing agreements between Morocco and the EU have stirred quite a debate. What is your assessment of the legal implications of these conclusions?
Dr. Bachir: The conclusions of the General Advocate are indeed significant. They serve as a recommendation to the Court, and although they are not binding, they often shape the final rulings. Morocco’s position emphasizes that the EU should respect its own institutions’ agreements to maintain a fair relationship. This reiteration of Morocco’s stance highlights the complexities inherent in international agreements, particularly when they involve resources that serve as lifelines for local economies.
Editor: How does Morocco’s perspective fit within the broader context of international fishing and agricultural laws?
Dr. Bachir: Morocco’s perspective highlights a crucial intersection of local sovereignty and international partnerships. The country calls on the EU to acknowledge its rights over natural resources. This balance is vital in international law, where nations assert their sovereignty while trying to navigate the intricacies of trade agreements that often favor larger blocs. It’s a classic example of how smaller nations navigate power dynamics in international governance.
Editor: And with that, how do you think these developments will affect EU-Morocco relations going forward?
Dr. Bachir: This is a pivotal moment for EU-Morocco relations. If the EU respects Morocco’s assertions and navigates these agreements genuinely, it can lead to enhanced cooperation and trust. Conversely, if the EU is perceived as disregarding Morocco’s rights, it could lead to tensions, impacting not only trade but also broader diplomatic relations. The outcomes of these agreements will likely resonate in other sectors of collaboration between the two entities.
Editor: What implications does this have for local communities in Morocco that rely heavily on fishing and agriculture?
Dr. Bachir: Local communities are at the heart of these agreements. The agricultural and fishing sectors are vital for their livelihoods. If Morocco can secure fair conditions, it could bolster economic stability and even promote sustainable practices. However, if these agreements do not prioritize local welfare, we could see negative socio-economic impacts. It’s essential for policymakers to ensure that local voices are heard in the agreement processes, which will ultimately determine the fate of these communities.
Editor: In light of these complex dynamics, what advice would you give to stakeholders involved in similar agreements?
Dr. Bachir: Stakeholders should prioritize transparency and open dialogue. Engaging local communities when drafting agreements can lead to solutions that benefit everyone involved. Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure that agreements align with sustainable practices to protect natural resources for future generations. Balancing economic interests with community welfare can result in stronger, more enduring partnerships.
Editor: Dr. Bachir, thank you for sharing your insights on this complex issue. It’s essential to understand these layers as we continue our discussions on international agreements and their local implications.
Dr. Bachir: Thank you for having me. It’s critical that we keep the conversation going on these topics!
Editor: Indeed, and we at Time.news will continue to cover these developments closely. Stay tuned for more updates and expert insights on international affairs.