Madrid: The Spanish Congress of Deputies has dismissed an amendment aimed at incorporating Western Saharan territories into a trade agreement between the European Union and Morocco. This decision aligns with the ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), which mandates obtaining prior consent from the Sahrawi people before such agreements.
According to Algeria Press Service, the motion against the amendment was introduced by the Vox party and gained significant backing within the Congress. The party argued against the European Commission’s attempt to bypass the CJEU’s October 4, 2024, judgment that declared the inclusion of Western Saharan territories in the trade agreement illegal. This motion, viewed as a victory for the Vox party, underscores their commitment to protecting the Spanish agricultural sector.
The party, led by Santiago Abascal, has detailed a comprehensive strategy to bolster the survival and prosperity of Spanish agriculture. Their plan includes policies aimed at reducing reliance on non-European imports, eliminating unfair competition, promoting local product consumption, and prioritizing food sovereignty. Vox’s success in gaining parliamentary support highlights their determination to defend Spanish farmers from what they perceive as unfair competition and adverse actions by Brussels and Morocco.
Many members of the European Parliament and various associations have criticized the new EU-Morocco trade agreement, asserting that it disregards the CJEU’s decisions and was made without proper consultation. This ongoing controversy emphasizes the complexities and challenges involved in international trade agreements and their implications for local economies.