EU Court Rules Against Morocco-EU Agreements Over Western Sahara Consent

The European Union's top court has ruled that fishery and agriculture agreements between the EU and Morocco are invalid, as they did not consult the people of Western Sahara. This decision highlights ongoing disputes over the status of the Moroccan-claimed territory, emphasizing the need for self-determination.

The European Union's supreme judicial body delivered a verdict on Friday that struck down fisheries and agriculture agreements reached with Morocco, citing a lack of consultation with Western Sahara's people.

Western Sahara, a region rich in phosphates and located on the Atlantic coast, has been a point of contention since Morocco annexed it in 1975, following Spain's withdrawal. The pro-independence Polisario Front and the kingdom have continued to dispute its governance.

The European Court of Justice emphasized that these 2019 agreements must have the consent of Western Sahara's people, a requirement unmet in these deals, leading to their breach of self-determination principles. Despite prior consultations being held, they were deemed insufficient, casting doubt on future EU-Morocco agreements.

(With inputs from agencies.)