About: Western Sahara
Polisario suffers setback as EU Parliament group leader resigns over ceasefire
The campaign for Western Saharan independence has suffered another diplomatic blow after the head of the European Parliament’s group on Western Sahara resigned, accusing the pro-independence Frente Polisario of committing ‘a serious strategic error’ by ending a 30-year ceasefire with Morocco.
Morocco looks forward to ‘big prize’ for normalising ties with Israel
Morocco’s decision to normalise ties with Israel has handed Rabat its biggest step yet towards the prize it values most - global recognition of its claim to Western Sahara.
Borrell urges return to talks following renewed Western Sahara tensions
The Polisario Front said Sunday (15 November) it was mobilising "thousands of volunteers" to join its fighters, on the third day of a crisis in the disputed Western Sahara that pits the Sahrawis against Morocco.
Slovakia’s Lajcak tipped to be next UN envoy for Western Sahara
Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak, who once served as the president of the UN General Assembly, is expected to be named the world body's new special envoy for disputed Western Sahara, diplomats said Wednesday (12 February).
Morocco moves closer to ‘privileged’ partnership with EU
Morocco has moved closer to its goal of obtaining a ‘privileged relationship with the EU’ following successful talks between foreign minister Nasser Bourita and the EU’s foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini.
MEPs stir north Africa’s frozen conflict
European Parliament endorsed the new EU-Morocco Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement on 12 February. Although it's a triumph for Morocco and its lobbying efforts in Brussels, it is unlikely to do anything to resolve a long-running legal and political saga in North Africa.
Morocco pushes development in disputed Western Sahara
Building roads and expanding cities, ports and industrial parks -- Morocco is pressing ahead with economic development in Western Sahara without waiting for a political settlement on the disputed territory.
Is it ‘the economy, stupid’ in the EU’s southern neighbourhood?
While trade wars threaten across the Atlantic, enhanced economic cooperation could be the key to stability in the EU’s southern neighbourhood.
EU dilemma on Morocco-Western Sahara conflict remains unsolved
Morocco is the EU’s most stable trading partner in North Africa and a reliable ally in Brussels’ efforts to control African migration across the Mediterranean. But two rulings by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) have revived political tensions in the region and complicated things for the Commission.
Court in confusion – the EU and Western Sahara
Few were surprised when the European Court of Justice ruled on 27 February that the EU’s fisheries agreement with Morocco is valid, but only if it does not include the disputed Western Sahara territory.
Morocco fisheries pact must not include Western Sahara, EU court confirms
The EU’s fisheries agreement with Morocco is valid as long as it does not include the Western Sahara territory, a region disputed by Morocco and independence fighters, the bloc’s top court, the European Court of Justice, ruled on Tuesday (27 February).
Fisheries agreement with Morocco is an instrument of soft power for EU
If the EU-Morocco fisheries agreement is not renewed, tensions might affect the relations between the EU and Morocco, writes Willy Fautré.
Western Sahara should be able to negotiate a fisheries partnership agreement with the EU
Morrocco has no official claim to the waters off Western Sahara, so why, Linnéa Engström asks, should the EU pay Rabat for the right to fish there?
Morocco demands ‘clear signal’ from EU on future relations
A Moroccan minister has warned the European Union that it must “clarify its position” and put an end to its conflicting positions regarding the North African country or face the consequences for both migration and the economy. Euractiv Spain reports.
Morocco warns EU to respect trade deal
Morocco's government warned the European Union today (6 February) that its failure to fully implement a joint agriculture deal would have severe consequences and could spur illegal migration.
EU welcomes Morocco rejoining African Union
The European Union has welcomed a decision by African Union to readmit Morocco after 33 years of absence.
EU court casts doubt on Morocco’s claim to Western Sahara
Two deals between Morocco and the European Union do not apply to Western Sahara, the EU's top court said during a raft of rulings made yesterday (21 December), in a decision that a group seeking the disputed territory's independence said was a victory for its cause.
European companies help Morocco maintain control over Western Sahara
Morocco is eagerly promoting its green credentials in its hosting of the COP22 climate change conference in Marrakesh. But a new report discloses that the North African country is consolidating its hold on Western Sahara through European-built energy projects. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Western Sahara needs more from the EU
The EU must fulfil its responsibilities in accordance with international law to ensure that the Saharawi people are given the opportunity to exercise our right to self-determination, writes Mohamed Sidati.
EU court lawyer says decision to stop EU-Morocco trade deal was wrong
A top lawyer from the EU Court of Justice paved the way for restoring the EU and Morocco ties as he concluded on 13 September that trade and liberalisation deals were wrongly killed and the decision should be overturned.
Can Greece copy Morocco, and stop sulking?
Anyone ever tried to get from Athens to Skopje or Pristina? It’s a journey from hell as the excellent Aegean Airlines, which links all the region’s cities, have eliminated Macedonia and Kosovo from their satellite map, writes Denis MacShane.
Morocco asks for EU help in fight against ISIS
Rabat has urged Europe to help stabilise North Africa, as ISIS steps up its efforts to recruit young Moroccans through social media.
Mogherini heads to Morocco after EU ties suspended
European Union's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini will head to Rabat for talks today (4 March), a week after Morocco suspended all ties with Brussels.