EU parliamentarians denied entry at Laayoune airport over unauthorized Moroccan Sahara visit

Friday 21 February 2025 - 10:50

By: Dakir Madiha

EU parliamentarians denied entry at Laayoune airport over unauthorized Moroccan Sahara visit

A group of six Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) was denied entry at Laayoune airport in the Moroccan Sahara after attempting to conduct what they claimed was an official mission. The MEPs, known for their support of the Polisario separatist movement, had neither authorization from the European Parliament nor approval from Moroccan authorities for their visit.

The attempted entry was revealed to be unauthorized, as the European Parliament had not mandated or organized the trip. A joint parliamentary commission exists specifically to manage relations between the European and Moroccan parliaments, which would have been the proper channel for organizing such visits.

According to reliable sources, the group tried to force their way into Laayoune airport under the pretense of an official mission. Moroccan authorities responded firmly but professionally, requiring the individuals to return on their incoming flight after determining the illegitimate nature of their visit.

The timing of the attempted visit appeared calculated, as the MEPs chose February 20th to coincide with an expected visit from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Morocco. However, von der Leyen's trip had been postponed to a later date.

The incident highlights the established protocols for such visits, which require both European Parliament authorization and Moroccan approval for professional missions. Instead, these MEPs attempted to use their positions inappropriately, fabricating a false mission to enter Laayoune and promote separatist arguments.

The relationship between Morocco and the European Union remains built on strong foundations of mutual cooperation and constructive dialogue. This was recently reinforced during a December meeting between Moroccan Parliament President Rachid Talbi Alami and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.

Despite this isolated incident, the strategic partnership between Morocco and the European Union continues unaffected. The established diplomatic channels and permanent communication mechanisms remain intact, demonstrating the resilience of this regional collaboration model in the face of individual provocations.