MEPs have given its green light to liberalise EU-Morocco trade in agricultural and fisheries products, while adopting a resolution highlighting a number of concerns. A majority of MEPs say the agreement will help alleviate economic, migratory and security problems following the Arab Spring.

The trade deal EU-Morocco was approved in the plenary session by MEPs in order to allow an increase in certain quotas for zero or low duty imports and represents a step towards a more extensive free trade agreement. The deal was previously approved by MEPs in the International Trade Committee. The agreement will immediately lift 55% of tariffs on Morocco agricultural and fisheries products (rising from 33%) and 70% of tariffs on EU agricultural and fisheries products within 10 years (rising from 1%). It also includes safeguards, for example by allowing only moderate increases to quotas of certain products, such as tomatoes, strawberries, cucumbers and garlic. The deal also provides for seasonal quotas to counter distortion of the EU market and says Moroccan imports should meet European sanitary standards.

The responsible on the report regarding the deal, José Bové opposed granting consent as well as a significant minority of MEPs, amid concerns regarding small-scale farmers in the EU and environment and labour conditions in Morocco. Opponents also cited the inclusion of the disputed Western Sahara region in the deal as being incompatible with international law.

In addition, MEPs also gave its consent to an agreement with Morocco that sets out the general principles for participation in EU programmes. Morocco has expressed an interest in programmes in the fields of competitiveness and innovation, freight transport, customs and air traffic control.