EU Rejects Call to Review Moroccan Agricultural Imports, Boosting Morocco’s Trade Position

The Spanish MEP Mazaly Aguilar, a member of the far-right party VOX, saw her request rejected by the European Commission (EU). This is the decision taken by Janusz Wojciechowski, European Commissioner for Agriculture. The Spanish MEP had addressed a written question to the EU Commission following the complaint of parties from the European Conservatives and Reformists. While it is true that the European official is aware of the increase in imports of fruits and vegetables from Morocco - from 1 million tons in 2015 to 1.3 million tons in 2019 - in recent years, he is nevertheless not about to review the current scheme. "For the moment, the Commission does not plan any modification of the existing system," said Janusz Wojciechowski.

Mazaly Aguilar accuses Moroccan farmers of having committed fraud during the export of their products to the European Union. According to her, the Spanish farmers’ associations have reported alleged fraudulent practices in Morocco to the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). Janusz Wojciechowski does not believe this and expresses his opposition to any maneuver aimed at undermining the export of Moroccan agricultural products. He made it known that the allegation of the VOX party follows those of the agricultural sector. Spanish farmers have repeatedly denounced alleged fraudulent practices in Morocco. "OLAF can open an investigation if there is sufficient evidence of fraud or any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the EU," suggested the European Commissioner.

This is not the first time that the Spanish agricultural lobby has rallied against Moroccan farmers. In February, Gabriël Mato, a member of the Canarian Popular Party (PP), had already attacked them by asking the European Commission to open an investigation into "the damage suffered by European producers due to the non-payment of customs duties on agricultural products imported from Morocco".