Application of the Euro-Mediterranean aviation agreement between the EU and Morocco to Western Sahara

19.11.2024

Question for written answer  E-002585/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Lynn Boylan (The Left)

In November 2018, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that the Euro-Mediterranean aviation agreement between the EU and Morocco[1] does not apply to Western Sahara. On 14 November 2024, Ryanair announced that it will be commencing flights to Dakhla (a city in the territory of Western Sahara). Ryanair’s media announcement claimed the city was within the Kingdom of Morocco and the announcement of these routes has been welcomed by the Moroccan Government.

Can the Commission confirm that:

• 1.Ryanair has been informed that the benefits of the Euro-Mediterranean aviation agreement between the EU and Morocco do not apply to this new route?
• 2.European companies should refrain from advertising a territory as being part of a country which does not have sovereignty over this territory?
• 3.As a Europe-based company, Ryanair has been advised of the specific obligations with which it must comply as a result of operating within an occupied territory?

Submitted: 19.11.2024

• [1] OJ L 386, 29.12.2006, p. 57, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/agree_internation/2006/959/oj.