**A new look at the recommendations of the Court of Justice of the EU regarding the EU-Morocco fisheries agreement on Western Sahara**
The legal adviser to the European Court of Justice recently recommended the annulment of the fishing agreement between the European Union and Morocco, which allowed European boats to fish off the coast of Western Sahara, a disputed territory. According to the advisor, the agreement did not sufficiently take into account the consequences on the rights of the inhabitants of the territory in question to benefit from natural water resources.
The recommendation follows an earlier court ruling in favor of the pro-independence Polisario Front, saying the deal violated the rights of Western Sahara residents. The agreement, which defined fishing zones for European vessels with Moroccan permits, included waters controlled by Morocco to the west of the disputed territory.
It is emphasized that the territory of Western Sahara must be treated as “separate and distinct” from Morocco. However, negotiations can take place between Europe and Morocco as the administrative power of the territory, as long as the inhabitants are treated separately.
This decision, although not yet final, could have a significant impact on future agreements involving Western Sahara. The complexity of this territorial dispute between Morocco and the Polisario Front highlights the economic and political issues surrounding the issue.
Western Sahara, disputed since Spain’s withdrawal in 1975, is at the heart of persistent tensions between Morocco and the Polisario Front supported by Algeria. This dispute has repercussions on Morocco’s foreign and economic policy, as well as its relations with the EU.
In conclusion, the recommendation of the Court of Justice of the EU highlights the legal and diplomatic issues linked to the question of Western Sahara. This ongoing case illustrates the importance of the rights of residents of the territory and highlights the need to find equitable solutions for all parties involved.
Thus, the Court’s next decisions could shape future relations between the EU and Morocco, and have a significant impact on the resolution of this historic dispute.