EU Court Blocks Morocco Trade Deals Over The Sahara
The European Union’s top court has invalidated trade agreements that permitted Morocco to export fish and agricultural products to the EU from the contested Sahara region. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that these deals violated the right to self-determination for the people in the region, a decision that Morocco criticized as biased. As the EU Court Blocks Morocco Trade Deals, the country is seeking to appeal the verdict.
This ruling marks the final decision following multiple appeals from the European Commission. It determined that the Commission’s agreements with Morocco, which included products from Western Sahara, were legally flawed. The court emphasized that the consent of the people of Western Sahara is essential for the validity of such trade agreements.
The disputed region of Western Sahara has been the subject of Africa’s longest territorial conflict since Spain’s withdrawal in 1975, after which Morocco annexed the area. With Algeria-supported Polisario Front, fighting for independence for the region.
The court further stated that products such as melons and tomatoes originating from Western Sahara must be labeled as such, excluding any reference to Morocco, in order to prevent misleading consumers.
In response to the ruling, the European Commission said it would review the decision closely, while Morocco condemned the judgement, citing legal errors and urging the EU to uphold its commitments to the partnership.
Western powers, including the USA, France, and Spain have supported Morocco’s claim over Western Sahara, but the UN continues to push for a negotiated political solution.
