On October 4, 2024, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares expressed his government's respect for the European Court of Justice's (ECJ) decision to annul two trade agreements between the European Union and Morocco concerning agriculture and fisheries. This decision was based on claims that the agreements involved products from the disputed territory of Western Sahara, which is contested by the Polisario Front.
Albares emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership between the EU and Morocco, highlighting its benefits for both parties, particularly in the fisheries and agriculture sectors. He reiterated Spain's commitment to maintaining and developing this partnership despite the recent legal ruling.
In response to the ECJ's decision, Morocco called on the EU to uphold its international obligations and ensure that the partnership remains intact. The Moroccan government stated that it considers itself unaffected by the court's ruling, as it was not a party to the case, which involved the EU and the Polisario Front, supported by Algeria.
European officials, including EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, acknowledged the court's ruling and affirmed the EU's long-standing strategic relationship with Morocco, which includes cooperation on migration control.
The implications of this meeting and ongoing discussions may significantly impact EU-Morocco relations, particularly in light of the geopolitical complexities surrounding Western Sahara.