EC/Morocco Euro-Mediterranean association agreement

PURPOSE: concluding a Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, on the one hand, and Morocco, on the other hand.

COMMUNITY MEASURE: Council and Commission Decision 2000/204/EC, ESCC on the conclusion of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member Satets, of the one part, and the Kingdom of Morocco, of the other part.

CONTENT: the general aim of the agreement is to consolidate the existing ties between the European Communities and their Member States, on the one hand, and Morocco, on the other hand. In addition, this Decision shall create a relationship based on reciprocity and partnership. Furthermore, the respect for democratic principles and human rights are a key feature in this agreement.

The main provisions in this Agreement are:

- the regular political dialogue at all levels;
- the creation of a free trade area: in accordance witht he WTO rules, a free trade area between the Community and Morrocco will be created gradually over a period lasting no more than 12 years. Morocco, which up until now has granted the Community no concessions, will gradually eliminate trade barriers affecting the Community's industrial exports, and will apply preferential duties to agricultural exports. The preferential arrangements currently applied by the Community (free market access for Moroccan industrial exports, and concessions on most agricultural exports) are confirmed.
- the agreement contains provisions on freedom of establishment and the freedom to provide serivces.

The EC/Morocco Association Council will make its recommendations aimed at implementing these objectives.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 01.03.2000.