On the EU-Morocco trade agreement

Commenting on the vote of consent of the European Parliament on the agreement between the EU and Morocco on reciprocal liberalisation measures on agricultural and fishery products, the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz stated:

"Today's EP consent on the trade agreement with Morocco shows that the European Parliament is serious about improving relations with its Southern neighbours.

Our support for democratic reforms and transformations in the Mediterranean region needs to be accompanied with tangible deeds. Reinforcing trade relations in agriculture and fisheries is a key component of this strategy.

This was not an easy vote, but the EP stood by its pledges. Morocco and the European Commission must now help dispelling the concerns of many of my colleagues on the agreement, especially for what concerns the rights of farmers, combating fraud, environmental protection and food safety standards.

I look forward to discussing EU-Morocco relations in my upcoming visit to Rabat in March in the framework of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean."