European Court Rebukes EU Over Western Sahara Trade Agreements

The European Court of Justice ruled against the European Commission, stating the EU violated self-determination rights in Western Sahara through trade deals with Morocco. Despite several appeals, the ruling stands, impacting agreements on fishing and agriculture established in 2019.

The European Court of Justice has delivered a decisive judgment against the European Commission, declaring that it has infringed upon the rights of self-determination for the people of Western Sahara through its trade agreements with Morocco.

This landmark decision comes after several failed appeals by the Commission and directly impacts the fishing and agriculture agreements signed in 2019, which incorporated products from the contested region of Western Sahara.

Covering an area the size of Britain, Western Sahara has been embroiled in Africa's longest-standing territorial conflict since 1975, when Spain's colonial administration withdrew and Morocco subsequently annexed the territory.

(With inputs from agencies.)