Brussels – A seminar examining the implications of the European Union-Morocco trade agreement on the Western Sahara peace process is scheduled to take place tomorrow, Wednesday, at the European Parliament in Brussels.
The event, organized by the “Friends of the Sahrawi People” group within the European Parliament, in collaboration with the European Coordination of Support for the Sahrawi People (ECSA), will delve into the potential effects of the trade agreement on the ongoing United Nations-led efforts to resolve the Western Sahara dispute.
The seminar aims to provide a platform for discussion and analysis, bringing together experts, policymakers, and representatives from various organizations to assess the complex interplay between trade relations and the prospects for a peaceful resolution in the region. The focus will be on understanding how the EU-Morocco agreement might either facilitate or hinder progress towards a lasting settlement.
The Western Sahara has been a contested territory for decades, with the issue of its sovereignty remaining a significant point of contention. The EU-Morocco trade agreement, which grants preferential trade access to Moroccan products, has faced scrutiny due to concerns about the inclusion of goods originating from the Western Sahara. Critics argue that such inclusion could be interpreted as tacit recognition of Morocco’s claim to the territory, potentially undermining the peace process.
The seminar is expected to explore these concerns, examining the legal and political dimensions of the trade agreement and its potential impact on the Sahrawi people and their right to self-determination. Discussions will likely center on the need for greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of the agreement, as well as the importance of ensuring that any economic benefits derived from the Western Sahara are shared equitably with the local population.
DZWatch will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available.
