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Spain Stands Firm: Foreign Minister Reaffirms Sahara Stance Amid EU Court Ruling

Saturday 05 - 09:45

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Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares has reaffirmed the country's unwavering position on the Sahara issue, following a recent European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling that challenges the legality of trade and fisheries agreements between the European Union and Morocco.

Addressing the Spanish Foreign Affairs Committee of Congress, Albares declared, "Our position remains that of April 7. The Spanish-Moroccan declaration is known, and more and more European countries and others around the world are supporting it." He emphasized the growing international backing for Morocco's autonomy plan, citing Denmark's recent alignment with the pro-Morocco stance.

The minister highlighted French President Emmanuel Macron's letter to King Mohammed VI, which expressed support for Moroccan sovereignty over Sahara. Albares stressed the continuity of Spain's position, stating, "This is where Spain stands, and where we will continue to be."

Defending the "strategic partnership" with Morocco, Albares underscored its importance for both nations and the benefits it has brought to the fishing and agricultural sectors. He reiterated Spain's commitment to maintaining a stable relationship with Morocco and pledged to continue working with the European Union and Morocco to preserve and develop this privileged partnership.

The ECJ ruling, which found that trade agreements between the EU and Morocco, including products from Sahara, "violated" the region's "right to self-determination," has sparked controversy. The court suggested that products such as tomatoes and melons from Sahara should be distinctly labeled to reflect their origin.

In response, Morocco's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement rejecting any agreement that does not respect its territorial integrity and national unity. The ministry criticized the ECJ decision, citing "obvious legal errors and suspicious factual mistakes."

Prior to the ruling, Spanish Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister Luis Planas had expressed Spain's commitment to strengthening ties with Morocco, regardless of the ECJ's decision. He stated, "If anyone believes that a ruling by the Court of Justice is going to call into question the stability of Morocco's relationship with Spain or with the European Union, they are mistaken."

This latest development follows a 2021 ECJ ruling that annulled the 2019 fisheries agreement between the EU and Morocco, also based on the inclusion of Sahara products. Despite these legal challenges, Spain and Morocco have maintained their united front, with Spanish officials consistently opposing the court's interference in their strategic partnership.

As the situation unfolds, Spain's steadfast support for Morocco in the Sahara issue continues to shape the geopolitical landscape in the region, highlighting the complex interplay between diplomatic relations, economic interests, and international law.