In a joint statement on Friday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU High Representative Josep Borrell reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to further strengthen its close relations with Morocco, emphasising the principle of pacta sunt servanda (“agreements must be respected”).

“In close cooperation with Morocco, the EU firmly intends to preserve and continue strengthening close relations with Morocco in all areas of the Morocco-EU Partnership, in line with the principle of pacta sunt servanda,” von der Leyen and Borrell stated.

This joint statement follows the European Court of Justice’s (ECJ) rulings on agricultural and fishing agreements between the two parties.

The two officials underscored the “high value” the EU places on its “strategic partnership with Morocco,” calling the relationship “long-standing, wide-ranging, and deep.”

They emphasised the profound friendship and solid cooperation between the EU and Morocco, with intentions to elevate it in the coming months.

Brussels also acknowledged the ECJ rulings, noting that the European Commission is “analyzing the rulings in detail,” and highlighted that the validity of the agricultural agreement has been extended for 12 months.