Compliance with the CJEU judgment in Case C-104/16 with reference to importing fishery products from Western Sahara

24.1.2017

Question for written answer E-000326-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Maria Lidia Senra Rodríguez (GUE/NGL)

The recent ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) on Case C-104/16, Council v Front Polisario, makes it quite clear that Western Sahara is excluded from the scope of trade agreements between the Union and the Kingdom of Morocco. It therefore implies that the EU unequivocally recognises the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination and to permanent sovereignty over their natural resources.

Nevertheless, on 23 January 2017, a boat named ‘Key Bay’ arrived at a French port, having called at the port of Las Palmas in Gran Canaria on 14 January, where a search confirmed that part of the fish oil cargo was from the port of El Aaiún (in the Morocco-controlled part of Western Sahara).

Additionally, the company Profand de Vigo (Galicia) recently purchased the Moroccan company Sofinas and owns a freezing and pulp-processing company in Dajla (occupied Western Sahara).

These goods, which were illegally imported into the Union, should be seized immediately.

What measures has the Commission adopted to ensure that European companies comply with the ruling when it comes to importing fishery products from Western Sahara?