The European Union Court of Justice’s (CJEU) ruling on agricultural and fishing agreements between Morocco and the EU is “out of touch with reality” and will have “no impact” on the situation in the Moroccan Sahara or its ongoing momentum, according to Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Foreign Minister. Speaking at a press conference in Rabat on Tuesday following discussions with the president of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, Bourita described the decision as “a futile gesture” that has not drawn any response from the United Nations or its Secretary-General. He assured that the case will remain unaffected due to the proactive stance led by King Mohammed VI.
Bourita emphasized that this ruling remains an isolated case in Morocco-EU relations, citing the joint statement issued by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU High Representative Josep Borrell. Both leaders, alongside several EU nations, have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening partnerships with Morocco.
The foreign minister also pointed out a recent setback for separatist factions in the European Parliament, as their efforts to push for a debate on the CJEU rulings were rejected.
Morocco, Bourita stressed, will never agree to any deal that does not respect its national unity and territorial integrity. He added that it is now up to the EU to find legal solutions to uphold Morocco’s rights as a partner. The kingdom’s red lines, he said, are “clear and non-negotiable.”
Bourita also noted that the international agreements under scrutiny had been thoroughly negotiated by the European Commission, approved by the European Council and Parliament, and ratified by EU member states.
Regarding the Moroccan Sahara, Bourita reiterated that the court’s ruling holds no weight in disrupting the international momentum, particularly since the matter is under the exclusive purview of the UN and its Security Council. He emphasized the ruling’s disconnect from the legal, political, and historical realities on the ground.
On his part, Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo expressed his full support for the EU’s stance, as outlined by von der Leyen and Borrell. He also echoed the views of Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, who reaffirmed Spain’s dedication to its strategic partnership with Morocco and its desire to “protect and enhance” these ties.
Clavijo also reiterated the Canary Islands government’s alignment with Spain’s official position on the Moroccan Sahara, as expressed in the Joint Declaration of April 2022, following a meeting between King Mohammed VI and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
