Maghreb Edition

European court rejects Morocco-EU trade deals involving Western Sahara territoryF

Posted On 29 September 2021

Number of times this article was read : 450

Reactions

The Polisario, which seeks independence in the Western Sahara, welcomed a ruling Wednesday by the U’s top court cancelling trade deals that allow Morocco to export goods from the territory. “The European court has decided to annul the partnership and fishing accords between the EU and Morocco,” the movement’s EU envoy Oubi Bachir tweeted. “A great victory for the Sahrawi people!”
In Rabat, Morocco and the European Union said Wednesday they would continue their trade partnership. “We will take the necessary measure to ensure a legal framework that guarantees the continuation and stability of trade relations between the EU and the Kingdom of Morocco,” the bloc’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said in a joint statement.
AFP

The EU’s top court on Wednesday cancelled two trade deals with Morocco, for agricultural products and fish from disputed Western Sahara, after a case brought by the Polisaro independence movement. The court “annuls the (European) Council decisions concerning, first, the  agreement between the European Union and Morocco amending the tariff preferences granted by the European Union to products of Moroccan origin and, second, the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement,” the EU’s Court of Justice said in a statement. The accords will remain in place for two months in order to “preserve the European Union’s external action and legal certainty over its international commitments”, it said.

Morocco views Western Sahara as an integral part of its territory, but the UN views the former Spanish colony as a “non-autonomous territory” and the Polisario, backed by Algeria, has long sought its independence. Morocco controls around 80 percent of the territory and has offered autonomy, while insisting it must retain sovereignty. At stake are an overland route to West African markets, rich phosphate resources and Atlantic fisheries along the territory’s 1,100-kilometre (680-mile) coastline.

The EU court in Luxembourg ruled that by extending trade deals with Morocco southwards into the former Spanish colony “without the consent of the people of Western Sahara, the Council infringed the European Union’s obligations in the context of its relations with Morocco under EU and international law”.

After the court ruling, Morocco and the European Union issuing a joint statement underlining that their trade partnership would continue. “We will take the necessary measure to ensure a legal framework that guarantees the continuation and stability of trade relations between the EU and the Kingdom of Morocco,” the bloc’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said.

AFP

 

The North Africa Journal's WhatsApp Group
.

Most Recent Stories from the Region

UAE Regional Influence Under Strain Amid Sudan, Libya, Yemen, and Maghreb Frictions✓

Across Sudan, Libya, Yemen, and the Maghreb, the United Arab Emirates is encountering rising diplomatic friction as regional powers push back against policies seen as destabilizing or misaligned with their security interests. The UAE is facing growing tensions involving Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Algeria, while sustained scrutiny over Sudan and Yemen is reshaping perceptions of Emirati influence.

Algeria Expands Core Infrastructure Investment Across Core Sectors$

Algeria is scaling up investment in core infrastructure as part of a long-term strategy spanning transport, water security, energy, and mining. Backed by multi-billion-dollar allocations in the 2026 state budget, the program targets roads, railways, ports, airports, and large-scale hydraulic projects, alongside major mining developments linked to new logistics corridors.
Authorities frame the effort as both an economic and social priority, aimed at improving service reliability, supporting industrial growth, and reducing regional disparities, particularly in remote southern areas. Several projects rank among the largest of their kind in Africa and reflect a continued reliance on state-led development to address structural challenges

Algerian Supporters Face Charges in Morocco$

At least three Algerian nationals remain in custody in Morocco after traveling to the country to support their national football team during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The detentions stem from separate incidents that Moroccan authorities say violated public order and criminal law during or around match days.

Written by The North Africa Journal

The North Africa Journal is a leading English-language publication focused on North Africa. The Journal covers primarily the Maghreb region and expands its general coverage to the Sahel, Egypt, and beyond, when events in those regions affect the broader North Africa geography. The Journal does not have any affiliation with any institution and has been independent since its founding in 1996. Our position is to always bring our best analysis of events affecting the region, and remain as neutral as humanly possible. Our coverage is not limited to one single topic, but ranges from economic and political affairs, to security, defense, social and environmental issues. We rely on our full staff analysts and editors to bring you best-in-class analysis. We also work with sister company MEA Risk LLC, to leverage the presence on the ground of a solid network of contributors and experts. Information on MEA Risk can be found at www.MEA-Risk.com.