Answer given by Vice-President Mogherini on behalf of the Commission

8.7.2015

The EU supports the UN Secretary-General’s efforts to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara in the context of arrangements consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the UN.

Regarding ressources exploitation, the EU abides by the UN position which is that ‘where resource exploitation activities are conducted in non-self governing territories for the benefit of the people of those territories, on their behalf or in consultation with their representatives, they are considered as legal’ (UN position 2002/161, Article 24, 12 February 2002).