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Spain's Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Luis Planas, said on Monday that the European Union is prepared «for any scenario» regarding the EU-Morocco fisheries agreement, as the Court of Justice might annul the deal.
«We shouldn't prejudge the situation», Planas told EFE from Bruges, Belgium, where EU fisheries ministers are discussing the sector's future. «But we are ready, and both the Council and the Commission are working on potential responses».
The meeting follows last week's opinion by the Advocate General of the Court of Justice, Tamara Capeta, who called for the agreement's annulment. Capeta argued that the EU failed to respect Western Sahara's right to self-determination «by not treating the territory and its waters as separate from Morocco».
While the Advocate General's conclusions are not binding, the court often follows them in its judgments.
«We await the judgment to see the practical consequences», Planas said. «This agreement goes beyond just fishing; it strengthens ties with Morocco, a close partner and friend of the EU. These broader implications must be considered».
He reiterated that the EU Commission, Council, and member states like Spain believe the 2019 agreement complies with international and EU law. Planas also clarified that the court doesn't always follow the Advocate General's recommendations.
Urging patience and respecting the court process, Planas said, «The court will decide. So far, no decision has been made. We must respect the ongoing judicial procedure, so I won't comment on the prosecutor's opinion».
