Algeria has expressed its strong approval of the recent ruling by the European Court of Justice (CJEU) that annulled trade agreements between the European Union and Morocco, a decision that has reignited international discourse on the status of Western Sahara. The Algerian Foreign Ministry praised the ruling, calling it a “recognition of the Sahrawi people’s rights over the natural resources in Western Sahara.”

In a formal statement, the Algerian government emphasized the importance of adhering to international law, urging the European Union to fully comply with the court’s decision. Algeria reiterated its support for the Sahrawi people and their sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara, a region long claimed by Morocco but recognized by the UN as a non-self-governing territory.

“The European Court’s ruling is a clear endorsement of the Sahrawi people’s rights. It is imperative that the EU, and the international community at large, uphold the rule of law in international relations and respect the principles of justice,” Algeria’s Foreign Ministry declared.

Morocco Rejects the Ruling

In contrast, Morocco has firmly rejected the CJEU’s decision. The Moroccan Foreign Ministry expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling, asserting that the Kingdom was not directly involved in the legal proceedings and therefore should not be bound by the court’s judgment.

Morocco accused the CJEU of disregarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, labeling the ruling as biased and misinformed. The ministry stressed that the case was brought forth by the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, not by Morocco itself. The Polisario Front, a liberation movement advocating for Western Sahara’s independence, has been in conflict with Morocco over the territory for decades.

Implications for EU-Morocco Relations

The annulment of trade agreements is a significant development in the ongoing geopolitical struggle over Western Sahara. The trade deals had previously allowed products originating from the disputed region to be traded under EU-Morocco agreements, but the court’s ruling has invalidated that framework, which Algeria views as a diplomatic win for the Sahrawi cause.

While Algeria celebrates the verdict as a step towards Sahrawi self-determination, the ruling has further strained Morocco’s relations with the European Union. The decision may also affect the EU’s economic ties with Morocco, as trade agreements involving agricultural and fishery products were key components of their relationship.

The Road Ahead

As tensions between Morocco and Algeria escalate over Western Sahara, this ruling underscores the complexity of the issue, which continues to be a point of contention in North African politics. Algeria has positioned itself as a staunch supporter of the Sahrawi independence movement, while Morocco remains committed to its claim over the territory.

The ruling by the CJEU not only impacts trade but also carries broader implications for the political dynamics in the Maghreb region. It places additional pressure on the European Union to navigate the sensitive territorial dispute without undermining its relationships with either Algeria or Morocco.

This decision marks yet another chapter in the long-standing conflict over Western Sahara, as both countries prepare for what could be a prolonged diplomatic standoff.