Algiers – The Polisario Front is preparing to file a new appeal before the European Court of Justice before the end of 2025, challenging the latest agreement between Morocco and the European Union, according to Abi Bouchraya Bachir, Special Advisor to the Sahrawi President in charge of Natural Resources and Legal Affairs. The agreement concerns trade arrangements and fishing agreements related to Western Sahara.
In statements to DZWatch, Bouchraya described the agreement as “illegitimate” and a “clear violation” of previous European court rulings. He emphasized that the court has affirmed the separate legal status of Western Sahara and Morocco, stating that the territory cannot be included in bilateral agreements without the consent of the Sahrawi people, represented by the Polisario Front.
Bouchraya strongly criticized the labeling of products originating from Western Sahara as “Moroccan,” deeming it a legal violation that contradicts European court rulings. He added that attempts by European negotiators to use alternative designations such as “Dakhla” and “Laayoune” to avoid mentioning “Western Sahara” do not comply with European trade regulations, which require clear identification of the country of origin on product labels.
The Special Advisor recalled that a majority of members of the European Parliament had previously rejected legislation related to the labeling of products from the disputed territory, with the decision failing by a single vote. He suggested this reflects significant debate within European institutions regarding the legality of these agreements.
Bouchraya asserted that the European Court of Justice’s 2024 ruling provides a “solid legal basis” to prevent any exploitation of Western Sahara’s natural resources, whether related to agriculture, fishing, phosphates, energy, or tourism. He stressed that the Front will continue to use these rulings against companies involved in what he termed the “economic colonization” of the territory.
The Polisario Front is calling for increased pressure on entities involved in activities deemed detrimental to the Sahrawi people’s interests.
