Reports indicate that the European Commission’s intention to negotiate a new fisheries agreement with Morocco is facing criticism. This comes a year after the European Court of Justice annulled previous fishing and agricultural agreements between the EU and Morocco that included the Western Sahara. Critics argue that Morocco is leveraging the Western Sahara’s rich fishing resources to exert political pressure on Europe.
A Spanish media platform highlighted the issue, stating that Brussels is pursuing a new fishing agreement with Morocco despite legal and ethical concerns. The report suggests that the European Commission appears to be repeating past mistakes. Despite the European Court of Justice’s ruling that the previous agreement was invalid due to its inclusion of the Western Sahara without the consent of the Sahrawi people, the Commission is reportedly ready to reopen negotiations with Rabat.
The media outlet described this move as a dangerous act of political surrender. Instead of upholding European justice, the Commission is allegedly attempting to circumvent the law to continue exploiting resources from a territory it recognizes as distinct and separate from Morocco. The report emphasizes that any agreement concerning the Western Sahara must have the free and prior consent of its people, represented by the Polisario Front.
Furthermore, it is alleged that Rabat is intensifying its diplomatic pressure and strengthening its fisheries cooperation with entities outside of Europe. Morocco is purportedly using fishing resources, along with issues like migration and security, as political bargaining chips. There is growing concern that the EU, instead of standing firm on its principles, is succumbing to a logic of dependence and blackmail.
Critics warn that relaunching an agreement that includes Sahrawi waters would not only violate international law but also legitimize an illegal occupation condemned by the United Nations. The situation places Europe in a difficult position, facing accusations of prioritizing short-term gains over adherence to legal and ethical obligations.
