The Polisario Front is preparing to file a new legal challenge before the European Court of Justice against the recent agreement between Morocco and the European Union. The challenge targets agreements related to trade and fishing rights, according to Abi Bachraya El Bachir, Special Advisor to the Sahrawi President for Natural Resources and Related Legal Matters.
Speaking to the Sahrawi Press Agency (WASS), El Bachir stated that the Polisario Front intends to submit the challenge in December. He strongly criticized the controversial labeling of products originating from Western Sahara as “Moroccan,” arguing that it constitutes a blatant violation of European court rulings.
The Polisario Front, El Bachir emphasized, vehemently rejects all agreements between the EU and Morocco that pertain to Western Sahara, including agricultural and fisheries agreements. He noted that a majority of Members of the European Parliament had initially opposed legislation concerning the labeling of products from Western Sahara, but the decision was narrowly blocked by a single vote.
The Sahrawi official asserted the illegitimacy of the current agreement between Morocco and the EU, citing the European Court of Justice’s confirmation that Western Sahara and Morocco are separate territories. He explained that because the term “Western Sahara” is unacceptable to Morocco, negotiators proposed using the names of the occupied regions of Dakhla and Laayoune. However, these designations are incompatible with European commercial law, which requires the country of origin to be stated.
El Bachir further highlighted the absence of consent from the Sahrawi people in the agreement and the illegality of justifying this absence with the supposed economic benefits for the local population. He reiterated that the 2024 decision of the European Court of Justice provides a solid legal basis for preventing any exploitation of Western Sahara’s resources, including agricultural and marine products, energy, tourism, and phosphates.
The Polisario Front will continue to use this legal basis against companies involved in what it considers economic colonialism.The Front is also counting on the support of civil society in its efforts.
