EU Court Invalidates Morocco Trade Deals Over Western Sahara Consent

The European Court of Justice ruled that agreements with Morocco breached self-determination principles by excluding Western Sahara's consent.

• The European Court of Justice ruled that the 2019 EU-Morocco fisheries and agriculture agreements were invalid due to a lack of consent from the people of Western Sahara.
• Western Sahara is considered a 'non-self-governing territory' by the United Nations, with Morocco claiming it as its 'southern provinces' since 1975.
• Morocco criticized the ruling as politically biased, while the pro-independence Polisario Front welcomed it as a victory for the Sahrawi people.
• The court's decision affects future agreements, as the expired deals allowed European vessels to fish in Moroccan-controlled waters off Western Sahara.
• The European Commission is reviewing the judgment, reaffirming its intention to maintain strong relations with Morocco despite the ruling.

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