Spanish MEPs call on EU to address France’s Sahara stance

In Brussels, ten Spanish MEPs have expressed their concerns regarding France's recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara. This recognition has sparked discontent among supporters of the Polisario Front in Spain, leading to a formal letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs. MEP Ana Miranda, a prominent figure in this initiative, emphasizes that Macron's stance undermines international law and the legitimacy of the ongoing dispute over the Sahara. The MEPs argue that France's unilateral support for Morocco could escalate tensions in the region, potentially leading to conflict. They are calling for the EU to take a more balanced approach to the issue, highlighting the need for respect for United Nations resolutions that assert the Sahara does not belong to Morocco. This situation reflects broader diplomatic challenges within the EU regarding member states' positions on international conflicts. Additionally, the MEPs are anticipating a ruling from the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) concerning the legality of contracts between Morocco and the EU, which include provisions related to the Sahara. They believe that the ruling will validate the Polisario Front's claims and could have significant implications for future EU-Morocco relations. Josep Borrell has reiterated that the EU's stance on the Sahara remains unchanged, emphasizing that individual member states are responsible for their diplomatic positions. This ongoing debate highlights the complexities of international diplomacy and the varying perspectives within the EU regarding the Western Sahara conflict.