ECJ Ruling: Algeria-Polisario supporters suffer major setback at European Parliament
The European Parliament has rejected a motion tabled by the Left group to discuss the latest ruling of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) on Morocco-EU fisheries and agriculture agreements, dealing a hard blow to the supporters of the Algeria-backed Polisario separatist group.
The proposal of the left-wing political parliamentary group to include the court’s judgment in the agenda of the EP debates was rejected Monday in Strasbourg by MEPs by an overwhelming majority.
The failure of the Polisario supporters at the European Parliament comes as the UN Security Council is expected to renew the mandate of the MINURSO, which expires on October 31.
Following the politically-motivated ruling issued by ECJ on the fishing and agricultural agreements concluded between the North African Kingdom and the European bloc, the European Union has expressed strong attachment to the strategic partnership built with Morocco.
“The EU reiterates the high value it attaches to its strategic Partnership with Morocco, which is long-standing, wide-ranging and deep”, said European Commission President Von Der Leyen and EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell in a joint statement.
“Over the years, we have established a profound friendship and a solid and multi-faceted cooperation, which we intend to take to the next level in the coming weeks and months”, added the top EU officials.
In close cooperation with Morocco, the “EU firmly intends to preserve and continue strengthening close relations with Morocco in all areas of the Morocco-EU Partnership, in line with the principle of pacta sunt servanda”, said the joint statement.
Morocco’s key European partners were quick to voice their anger and refusal of the court’s biased decision going contrary to the EU geostrategic interests.
France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Hungary, Belgium, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Finland, along with the European council and the European commission voiced their firm commitment and steadfast adherence to their strategic partnership with the North African Kingdom.
