The ruling issued by the European Court of Justice to annul trade agreements between Morocco and the European Union is merely a failed attempt by Europe to pressure Morocco over the issue of the Moroccan Sahara.
But the reality confirms that the real party hurt by this ruling is the European Union itself, especially countries like Spain, which heavily relies on fisheries agreements with Morocco.
🔴Statement: Morocco considers itself in no way concerned by the @EUCourtPress today ruling and reiterates its constant position not to subscribe to any agreement or legal instrument that does not respect its territorial integrity and national unity
🔗 https://t.co/KsybxVaAQx pic.twitter.com/1152pBkjhQ— Moroccan Diplomacy 🇲🇦 (@Marocdiplo_EN) October 4, 2024
Morocco stands in a position of strength, controlling its resources and setting clear conditions for any cooperation or agreement based on its full sovereignty over its territories, including the Moroccan Sahara.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God preserve him, clearly stated in his speech on the occasion of Throne Day that Morocco’s international relations are based on the recognition of its sovereignty over the Sahara. Morocco cannot engage with any country or union that does not fully acknowledge its sovereignty over its territories.
This European ruling is nothing but a biased political decision that does not reflect the facts on the ground. Morocco continues to develop its economy and utilize its resources in the service of its national interests.
It is the Europeans, not Morocco, who will suffer from the repercussions of this ruling.
محكمة العدل الأوروبية تُبطل اتفاقية الصيد البحري مع المغرب: تداعيات سياسية واقتصادية على ملف الصحراء المغربية pic.twitter.com/Ld0LRQOCdm
— المغرب الآن Maghreb Alan (@maghrebalaan) October 4, 2024
Morocco does not need these agreements as much as the Europeans do. The fish caught by European vessels in Moroccan waters, including the territorial waters of the Sahara, is a major source of food in Europe. Depriving them of these resources will lead to rising prices in the European market.
On the other hand, Morocco has the opportunity to strengthen its domestic economy and increase its resources by exporting seafood products to other markets or providing them at lower prices to Moroccan citizens.
Spain, the biggest beneficiary of the fisheries agreements, was one of the first countries to affirm that its relationship with Morocco would not be affected by this ruling, emphasizing the importance of continued partnership with the Kingdom. Spanish Minister Luis Planas clearly stated that the relationship between Morocco and Spain is strong and steadfast, and no judicial ruling will shake it.
Spain, along with several other European countries, refuses to bow to the court’s ruling and insists on continuing cooperation with Morocco.
What this ruling fails to acknowledge is that the inhabitants of the Moroccan Sahara are Moroccan citizens who fully exercise their rights by electing their local and national representatives.
As for the Polisario Front, which claims to represent them, it is merely a political tool in the hands of Algeria. The biased European stance reflects a misunderstanding of the facts on the ground, and the ruling raises questions about its legal impartiality.
Ultimately, this ruling should be seen as an opportunity for Morocco to bolster its political and economic position. It does not need these agreements, and it has the capacity to build new partnerships with countries that respect its sovereignty.
It is Europe that needs Morocco’s resources, and these decisions will not affect Morocco’s path. In fact, they might even make it stronger and more independent in making its economic and political decisions.”
