Belgium reaffirms its commitment to the EU-Morocco partnership, while respecting the decisions of the CJEU. This country reiterates its commitment to working for a strong partnership with Morocco, emphasizing the importance of pragmatic diplomacy and lasting friendship between nations.
As geopolitical challenges multiply, Belgium has marked its position by reaffirming its attachment to the strategic partnership between the European Union and Morocco. This declaration comes following a controversial decision by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) concerning fishing and agricultural agreements including “Western” Sahara.
The Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, via a message posted on its X account, underlined the importance of friendship and cooperation between the EU and the Kingdom of Morocco. This message, published on Saturday, reflects Belgium’s desire to continue to strengthen and deepen these bilateral relations, despite recent legal developments.
The CJEU ruled that the European Commission had entered into agreements with Morocco, including products from the disputed territory of “Western” Sahara, which constituted, according to it, a violation of the right to self-determination of its population. This decision reactivated the debate around the legality of transactions involving this region, while provoking various diplomatic reactions.
In response, Morocco issued a statement expressing its unwavering position on the integrity of its territory. “ Morocco reiterates its constant position that it will not accept any agreement or legal instrument that does not respect its territorial integrity and national unity.affirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This declaration highlights the country’s unwavering commitment to defending its sovereignty on the international stage.
Despite these tensions, Belgium’s support for the EU-Morocco partnership is reinforced by its support for the joint statement by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Josep Borell, High Representative of the EU. Both stressed their wish to preserve and strengthen ties with Morocco, based on the legally binding principle “ agreements are to be kept“, which means that agreements must be respected.
This partnership is described as “ ancient, wide and deep », testifying to decades of cooperation in various fields such as economy, security and culture. The European Union values these relations which, beyond commercial issues, encompass strategic dimensions such as the management of migratory flows, the fight against terrorism, and the energy transition.
For Belgium, this situation requires a delicate balance between respecting EU legal decisions and maintaining strong bilateral relations with Morocco. The Belgian government appears to want to play a facilitative role, seeking to ease tensions and promote dialogue between the parties involved. It is in this spirit that Belgium encourages a constructive approach which respects both the legal decisions of the EU and the national sensitivities of Morocco.
Indeed, as a key partner in the EU’s southern neighborhood, Morocco plays a central role in the stability of the region, making this relationship an imperative for several member states.
RT/SF/APA
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