EU Court Annuls EU-Morocco Agreements Over Western Sahara Consent

The European Court of Justice has annulled the fishing and agriculture agreements between the European Union and Morocco, citing the lack of consent from the people of Western Sahara. This decision highlights the rights of the Polisario Front, representing the Sahrawi independence movement, to challenge these agreements. The cancellation could lead to significant financial losses for Morocco, potentially losing 52 million euros annually from allowing 128 European vessels, mainly from Spain's Andalusia, Canary Islands, and Galicia, to fish in its waters.

The Court's ruling aligns with its previous decision favoring the Polisario Front. Despite the annulment, the Court has granted a twelve-month grace period for executing the agricultural verdict to avoid severe negative impacts on the EU's external activities. This decision comes amidst a backdrop of complex political tensions surrounding the status of Western Sahara, which Morocco considers part of its sovereign territory.

The annulment underscores the necessity for agreements involving disputed territories to secure the consent of the local population. While the Commission and the Council have lodged an appeal, the ruling remains a significant legal and political development. It reinforces the importance of respecting international law and consultation processes in agreements affecting contested regions.

This decision also triggers broader discussions about labeling products originating from disputed areas. The European Court's stance strengthens the rights of independence advocates, adding complexity to EU-Morocco relations and potential economic implications for both sides.