The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has decided to annul the fishing and agricultural agreements established between the European Union and Morocco, also including products from the Moroccan Sahara. This final decision follows appeals brought by the European Commission, which were declared unfounded by the Court. The judgment highlights that these agreements did not take into account the interests of the “people of the Sahara”, indicating that their validity depends on their approval. Opportunity or disadvantage?
“For several years, the CJEU has suggested, almost explicitly, its intention to limit the application of these agreements only to the northern regions of Morocco. This positioning encouraged the Kingdom to anticipate the possible repercussions of these decisions. Indeed, Morocco has initiated a strategy of diversification of its economic partners, thus gradually breaking with excessive dependence on traditional European partners, such as France, Spain or even the entire European Union.”, economic expert Badr Zaher Al Azrak told Hespress FR.
According to him, this anticipation is not only the result of temporary circumstances. It is part of a long-term vision of the Moroccan authorities, who have understood that the world economy is evolving rapidly, and that remaining dependent on a few historical partners can constitute a risk for the economic sovereignty of the country. Thus, Morocco has turned to other major economic powers, notably China and Russia, while strengthening its relations with a growing number of Arab and African countries, as well as with the United States.
Optimistic, the expert judges that “this approach is not only defensive, it is proactive and is part of a dynamic of building a stronger Morocco on the international scene. The strategic orientations adopted by the Kingdom are not limited to reacting to European political or judicial decisions. They also aim to assert increasingly marked economic independence, by diversifying sources of growth, markets and investment opportunities.”.
And to emphasize at the same time that, despite political or judicial tensions within certain European institutions, Morocco continues to maintain solid bilateral relations with a large number of European countries. France and Spain, for example, have recognized the relevance of Moroccan orientations, particularly with regard to the resolution of the conflict around the Moroccan Sahara. It’s not just political support; it is also a recognition of the stability and promising economic prospects that the Kingdom of Morocco represents.
« The upcoming visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Morocco is part of this dynamic of bilateral cooperation, which goes beyond the institutional tensions that we can sometimes observe at the level of the European Union. This trip marks the importance of Franco-Moroccan relations, which are based on solid common interests and robust economic partnerships, now including the southern regions of Morocco. This recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over these territories opens up new prospects for economic cooperation and investment, particularly in promising sectors such as agriculture, fishing and renewable energies.«, note Badr Zaher Al Azrak.
Furthermore, it is important to specify that, despite the decision of the CJEU, a large number of European countries, unilaterally, continue to deal with Morocco. They understand that the economic opportunities our country offers are too great to ignore. Despite pressure from certain political trends within the European Parliament, which are trying to slow down the momentum of development of relations between Morocco and Europe, these relations are expected to continue and strengthen.
Furthermore, Morocco offers promising economic prospects, not only for Europe, but also for other world powers. With its strategic position between Africa, Europe and the Middle East, Morocco presents itself as an essential hub for trade, investments and innovation. The reforms undertaken in the areas of infrastructure, energy, training and industry are all strong signals sent to investors and economic partners around the world.
Thus, Badr Zaher Al Azrak remains convinced that “the diversification of economic partners undertaken by the Kingdom of Morocco for years will bear fruit. This visionary approach places our country in a position of strength on the international scene. Morocco is ready to meet the challenges imposed by current geopolitical dynamics, while consolidating its relations with its historic partners, such as France and Spain, and developing new areas of cooperation with emerging countries and thriving economies.”.
In conclusion, the economic expert emphasizes that “whatever the political or judicial decisions to come, the Kingdom of Morocco is firmly committed to a path of inclusive economic development, strategic partnership and diversification. This path will ensure lasting prosperity for our country and strengthen its position as a key player on the international scene.”.
Related News :