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France Reaffirms Support for Morocco's Sahara Plans Despite EU Court Ruling

Saturday 05 - 11:00

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In a bold move that underscores the complex dynamics of European-African relations, France has declared its continued backing of Morocco's development efforts in Sahara. This stance comes in the wake of a recent European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling that challenges the legality of trade agreements between the European Union (EU) and Morocco, particularly those involving products from the disputed Sahara region.

The French Foreign Ministry issued a statement emphasizing its unwavering commitment to its "exceptional partnership" with Morocco. While refraining from direct commentary on the ECJ's judicial decisions, France expressed its determination to deepen its ties with the North African nation.

"France reaffirms its unwavering commitment to its exceptional partnership with Morocco and its determination to continue deepening it," the ministry stated. This declaration highlights the strategic importance France places on its relationship with Morocco, extending beyond mere economic interests.

The ministry also stressed the significance of the broader EU-Morocco relationship, pledging to collaborate with European partners to preserve and strengthen these crucial ties, "particularly economic ones, and to preserve the gains of the partnership, in compliance with international law."

France's support for Morocco extends specifically to the contested Sahara region. The French government referenced a recent message from President Emmanuel Macron to King Mohammed VI, in which Macron expressed France's "determination to support Morocco's efforts in favor of the economic and social development of Sahara, for the benefit of the local populations."

This reaffirmation of support comes at a critical time, as the ECJ rulings have sparked reactions across Europe. The court determined that trade agreements between the EU and Morocco, which include products from Sahara, violated the region's right to self-determination. The ruling suggested that products from the area should be distinctly labeled to reflect their origin.

Morocco has firmly rejected the ECJ's decision, with its Ministry of Foreign Affairs describing it as "legally flawed" and containing "obvious legal errors and suspicious factual mistakes." The kingdom emphasized that it would not agree to any arrangements that compromise its territorial integrity, including Sahara.

In a parallel development, Spain has also reaffirmed its support for Morocco's position. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares reiterated Spain's backing of Morocco's autonomy plan for Sahara, referencing a joint Spanish-Moroccan declaration from April 2022.

The stance taken by France and Spain underscores the complexities of regional politics and international law. Despite the legal challenges presented by the ECJ rulings, both nations have emphasized their commitment to maintaining and strengthening their ties with Morocco.

This situation highlights the delicate balance European nations must strike between adhering to EU legal frameworks and maintaining strategic partnerships with key North African allies. As the debate continues, the international community will be watching closely to see how these relationships evolve in the face of legal and diplomatic challenges.