EU-Morocco Fishing Agreement: MEPs Stage Protest Sit-In at European Parliament, Denouncing Illegal Occupation of Saharawi Territories

Led by Miguel Urban, a Spanish deputy representing the Podemos party, the MEPs made a resounding statement against the exploitation of the Saharawi people’s resources. The sit-in comes just days before the expiration of the controversial EU-Morocco fisheries agreement, scheduled for July 17.

Miguel Urban tweeted, “On July 17, the EU-Morocco fisheries agreement which illegally included Sahrawi areas expires. We no longer tolerate looting. The Sahara is not for sale! All our solidarity with the Sahrawi people.”

The Saharawi territories, which are internationally recognized as occupied, have long been a subject of looting by Morocco. This renewed protest highlights the European Parliament’s concern over the continued exploitation of Saharawi resources and the violation of their rights.

The sit-in follows a letter addressed to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, expressing deep concerns regarding Morocco’s intentions to host 2030 World Cup matches in the occupied city of El Ayoune. The joint bid submitted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco raises serious questions about the involvement of FIFA in supporting events held in territories under illegal occupation.

The MEPs’ sit-in seeks to draw attention to the broader issue of human rights violations and the exploitation of the Saharawi people’s resources. Their unwavering commitment to justice resonates with the increasing global call for accountability and the respect of international law.

The European Parliament has a crucial role to play in addressing these violations and ensuring that any future agreements between the EU and Morocco uphold the principles of legality, justice, respect for human rights, and the explicit consent of the Saharawis.  The sit-in serves as a reminder that the European Union must prioritize its values and stand against any form of exploitation and illegal occupation.

As the expiration date of the EU-Morocco fisheries agreement approaches, the international community looks to the European Parliament to take decisive action. By standing in solidarity with the Saharawi people and advocating for their rights, the MEPs involved in the protest send a clear message: the Saharawi territories are not for sale, and justice must prevail.