Morocco well-placed to diversify markets in response to EU’s judicial uncertainties

A politically-motivated ruling by the European Court of Justice could push Morocco towards seeking alternative markets for its fresh produce and fisheries to avoid the legal uncertainties in an EU market where international deals are now led by biased judges disconnected from reality rather than diplomats and politicians.

The final ruling declared the EU trade deals with Morocco invalid because it covered the Sahara territory, the Kingdom’s southern provinces.

The decision comes at a context where an increasing number of European states have been backing Morocco’s autonomy plan as a serious and credible solution to the regional dispute, with heavyweights Spain and France backing Morocco’s sovereignty and autonomy plan for the territory.

Morocco made it clear that it will not subscribe to any deal that violates its territorial integrity and national unity. This position means Morocco would seek alternative markets for its goods amid rising demand for Moroccan fresh produce.

Morocco is already a key supplier of fruits and vegetables to the EU market which have acquired a reputation for quality and competitive prices. Such products are in high demand and a year would be enough to pave the way for opening new markets away from the EU.

The era where the EU imposed its terms is over. Morocco made it clear that it was not concerned by this case opposing the Polisario to the European Union, but urged the European Council, the Commission and EU member states to protect their partnership with Rabat.

It is the EU that needs Morocco on fresh produce and fisheries not the other way around. Morocco’s fisheries exports stand at some 2.5 billion dollars dwarfing the 208 million euros in aid offered by the EU in exchange for opening Moroccan waters to EU vessels.