The European Union and many of its member states have expressed their firm commitment to the strategic partnership between the EU and Morocco and their desire to further strengthen it, following the decision of the European Court of Justice regarding the fisheries and agriculture agreements between the EU and the Kingdom.
In this context, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU High Representative Josep Borrell renewed the EU's commitment to maintaining and enhancing its close relationships with Morocco across all fields, in line with the principle of "pacta sunt servanda."
This joint statement, a rare act that underscores Morocco's importance, reflects the significance of the partnership linking the EU with the Kingdom, emphasizing the "great value" that the EU places on its strategic partnership with Morocco, which has been broad and deep for a long time.
The officials highlighted that the two sides have developed, over the years, "a deep friendship and solid, multifaceted cooperation, looking forward to elevating it to a higher level in the coming weeks and months."
Many EU member states have echoed this sentiment, affirming the strategic nature of the partnership between Morocco and the EU.
In Madrid, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares defended the "strategic partnership" with Morocco and his country's determination to "maintain and promote it," expressing respect for his government's acknowledgment of the European Court of Justice's decision.
He also emphasized the importance of the "strategic partnership" between the EU and Morocco for both parties, as well as for Spain, and the "benefits" this partnership has brought to various sectors, including fisheries, agriculture, and Moroccan-Spanish trade exchanges.
Albares added that Spain, like many other countries, would continue to encourage the "special" relationship between the EU and Morocco.
For its part, Hungary, which holds the rotating presidency of the EU Council, reiterated its firm stance in favor of enhancing the existing strategic partnership between the EU and Morocco, which serves "our common interests."
The Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated, "We will continue to work to serve these interests by strengthening relations and expanding cooperation with Morocco to encompass new areas," adding that Budapest is closely examining the decision of the European Court of Justice regarding the fisheries and agriculture agreements between the EU and Morocco.
Belgium also reaffirmed its commitment to the strategic partnership between the EU and Morocco and its dedication to deepening it.
The Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Development Cooperation stated on its social media account (X): "Belgium reiterates its commitment to the friendship and strategic partnership between the EU and Morocco and its dedication to continuing to deepen it."
In the same context, Italy emphasized the "essential" strategic partnership between the EU and Morocco. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani stated on his account on (X): "The strategic partnership is essential between the EU and Morocco, including in agriculture and fisheries."
The Italian Foreign Minister stressed that "the European Court should take this into account," adding that "the Italian government, as I will reaffirm during my visit to Rabat, wishes to further strengthen cooperation with Morocco, especially in the field of combating illegal immigration."
For its part, the Netherlands reiterated its steadfast commitment to the strategic partnership between the EU and Morocco, confirming that the Netherlands supports the joint statement by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU High Representative Josep Borrell regarding the decisions of the European Court of Justice.
Finland also reaffirmed its "strong commitment" to the strategic partnership between the EU and Morocco.
The Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its support for the joint statement by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU High Representative Josep Borrell regarding the decision of the European Court of Justice, reiterating this Nordic country's "strong commitment" to the strategic partnership between the EU and Morocco.
