After a few days of doubt, Morocco is delighted at the approval of the agriculture agreement by the European Parliament.

By Siham Ali for Magharebia in Rabat

[AFP/Frederick Florin] The European Parliament just passed an agricultural trade agreement with Morocco, raising hopes of improved ties.

The European Parliament last week approved an agriculture agreement with Morocco, easing concerns about a diplomatic rift some had seen after the rejection of a fisheries pact.

Morocco previously expressed fears that a “no” vote would imperil the interests of both parties. But the February 16th passage was seen as a “victory” for diplomacy, despite objections from Spanish lobbyists.

On the eve of the vote, Spanish farmers staged a demonstration outside the European Parliament’s offices in Madrid. Spanish Member of the European Parliament (MEP) José Bové said the agreement would have “dramatic consequences for fruit and vegetable producers across Europe and in Spain; hundreds of thousands of families are now in danger”.

MEPs who backed the agreement said it would have benefits for both sides. Stefan Füle, the Commissioner for enlargement and European neighbourhood policy, said the agreement would have a positive impact for Moroccan and European citizens. He said it was a perfect fit with the EU’s “new approach and sends a strong message to Morocco and other neighbours to the south about our determination to develop our relations in a practical way”.

Alain Cadec, an MEP, told the press it was important for the European Union to work with Morocco, particularly at this time when the country is going through a series of democratic reforms.

“It’s a great relief,” said Menouer Alem, Morocco’s ambassador to the EU. “It is evidence of MEPs’ confidence in the development and reform process in Morocco,” he told the press.

Youssef Amrani, minister delegate of foreign affairs, said that the outcome was thanks to the work of the diplomatic service and Moroccan MPs. New prospects have now opened up, he said, for renewed discussion of the fishery agreement and other issues.

“We are open to explore every argument with Europe to make this partnership a real success for both sides,” Amrani said.

Speaking for Moroccan MPs, Fatiha Layadi, a member of the joint Moroccan-European commission, said the agreement’s passage was a good sign and the next step would be the fishery pact, which had been rejected, along with a raft of other issues.

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In practical terms, the agreement provides for the lifting of 55% of customs duty on agricultural products and European Union fishery products, compared with 33% at present, and 70% of customs duty on Moroccan agriculture and fishery products compared with the current 1%. This will take place over a ten-year period.

It will immediately liberalise 45% of European Union exports to Morocco and 55% of European imports from Morocco.

The agreement will also allow the free entry of all agricultural products into the European Union and bigger quotas for perishable agricultural products: tomatoes, clementines, strawberries, courgettes, etc.

The liberalisation of agricultural trade to Morocco will take place over ten years across three product types. Inputs (seed and fertilisers) and agribusiness products are being liberalised immediately. Some food products, such as eggs, legumes, biscuits, and chocolate, will be liberalised over five to ten years. Other product groups which are sensitive for Morocco (including wheat, apples, olive oil) will be covered by special access arrangements, with quotas limited by volume over time.