Doha – Following the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling that invalidated EU-Morocco trade agreements, European Union leaders are set to underscore the “high value” they place on relations with Morocco and their intention to strengthen cooperation with Rabat.
According to a draft of the European Council conclusions obtained by Europa Press, EU leaders will state: “The European Council reaffirms the high value that the EU attaches to its strategic partnership with Morocco and reiterates the need to preserve and continue strengthening close relations with Morocco in all areas of the partnership.”
This statement comes in response to the ECJ’s decision to declare illegal the EU-Morocco trade agreements on agriculture and fisheries, citing a lack of consent from the people of Western Sahara.
While toning down an initial version proposed by France and Spain, the draft text explicitly acknowledges the ECJ ruling and clarifies that foreign policy adheres to EU treaties.
Regarding Western Sahara, the document refers to the United Nations process and its resolutions to find a “just, realistic, pragmatic, sustainable and mutually acceptable” political solution.
Just two days prior, on October 14, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell emphasized the importance of the “deep friendship” with Morocco and the EU’s intention to expand cooperation.
Borrell stated, “We established a deep friendship and cooperate in multiple facets, and we want to continue and expand this cooperation in the coming months.”
This position echoes sentiments expressed by the European Commission immediately following the ECJ ruling.
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On October 4, a joint statement by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and High Representative Borrell reiterated the EU’s commitment to its strategic partnership with Morocco.
The statement emphasized that the EU-Morocco relationship is “long-standing, wide-ranging and deep,” and that both parties intend to elevate their collaboration in the coming weeks and months.
In the wake of the ECJ decision, several European countries individually voiced support for maintaining strong ties with Morocco.
Experts have criticized the ruling, questioning its legal basis and interpretation of international law.
Samir Bennis, co-founder of Morocco World News (MWN), argued that the ECJ’s decision is based on a flawed understanding of international law and the Western Sahara dispute.
He contends that the court’s emphasis on self-determination as synonymous with independence contradicts the United Nations Security Council’s current approach, which focuses on finding a mutually acceptable political solution.
The ECJ’s ruling appears to ignore the evolution of the UN-led political process over the past two decades, Bennis pointed out, noting that the Security Council has buried its erstwhile call for a referendum to instead push for a compromise-based solution in the past 21 years.
In an interview with MWN, international affairs expert Mohamed Bouden also described the ECJ ruling as “devoid of any legal contribution” and “politically charged.”
