Spain respects EU court ruling, vows to maintain partnership with Morocco

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares confirmed that his country respects the decision of the European Court of Justice (CJEU) issued today to cancel the agreements on agriculture and fisheries between the European Union (EU) and Morocco, while emphasizing its desire to maintain the «strategic partnership» with the Kingdom.

The agreements were concluded «without the consent of the Sahrawi people», Albares said during his appearance before the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives. He explained that the fishing sector will receive «all the support» from the government, referring to the «strategic partnership» between the European Union and Morocco, which has benefited both parties, as well as Spain.

In response to a question about the court's decision and its consequences, he emphasized that Spain «will continue to promote this privileged relationship between the EU and Morocco, as do many other major countries».

The head of Spanish diplomacy also touched on the issues of Ceuta and Melilla, noting that «the government will remain committed to its defense of the borders», in terms of trade, with trade volume reaching 22 billion euros, more than that of the United States and the United Kingdom.

«Our commitment and attachment to the stability of the relationship with Morocco is strong and will not be affected», Albares emphasized, stressing that the government will continue to «work with the European Union and Morocco to maintain and develop this relationship within the legal framework».