VP/HR — Recognition of violation of the Sahrawi people's rights

11.12.2015

Question for written answer E-015698-15
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Miguel Urbán Crespo (GUE/NGL)

In a ruling delivered on 10 December 2015, the Court of Justice of the European Union found that the trade agreement between the EU and Morocco (see Decision 2012/497/EU) was prejudicial to the interests of the Polisario Front. The ruling represents a historic victory for the rights of the Sahrawi people.

The court stated categorically that neither the EU nor its Member States nor, in a broader context, the United Nations recognised Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, and that the Council ought to verify that there was no indication of the territory’s natural resources being exploited to the detriment of the people living there, thus putting their fundamental rights at risk.

1. What type of measures does the Commission intend to take to have this trade agreement, and possibly other agreements with Morocco, set aside?

2. What is the Commission thinking of doing to stop the natural resources of the Sahara being pillaged by multinational companies while the Moroccan Government turns a blind eye?

3. Does the Commission intend to take steps to ensure that the referendum for self-determination by the Sahrawi people is held, as provided for in UN Security Council Resolution 690 (1991)?