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Spain’s MEP Montero clashes with EU-Morocco partnership over Sahara
Spanish MEP Irene Montero has sparked controversy in the European Parliament by condemning the EU-Morocco agricultural agreement as “illegal,” accusing the EU of financing Morocco’s “occupation” of Sahara. Her remarks contrast with growing international support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, widely recognized as the most viable solution to the long-standing dispute.
Historical realities and legal misinterpretations
Montero’s claims dismiss the historical and international consensus on the status of the Sahara. The 1975 Madrid Accords marked Spain’s formal withdrawal from the region, transferring administrative responsibilities to Morocco and Mauritania. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has further acknowledged Morocco’s pre-colonial legal and cultural ties to the territory, underscoring its historical sovereignty.
Contrary to Montero’s assertions, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) rulings on EU-Morocco agreements did not challenge Moroccan sovereignty but focused on procedural consent requirements. The recent update to the agreement, signed on October 3, 2025, ensures transparency by labeling products from the southern provinces, strengthening compliance with EU standards.
Morocco’s southern provinces: A hub of development
Morocco has invested billions in transforming its southern provinces into a model of economic growth and regional integration. Projects like the $1 billion Dakhla Atlantic Port and advanced desalination facilities demonstrate Rabat’s commitment to sustainable development. These initiatives aim to integrate the region into global trade routes, benefiting not only the Sahara but also neighboring African countries.
The EU-Morocco Green Partnership, established in 2022, further underscores Morocco’s role as a key player in Europe’s energy transition, promoting sustainable agriculture and renewable energy projects that directly benefit the southern provinces.
Diplomatic momentum for autonomy
The international community increasingly endorses Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as the only realistic solution to the Sahara conflict. Nations such as the United States, Spain, Germany, and the United Kingdom have described the plan as credible and pragmatic. This growing consensus contrasts sharply with Montero’s call for a referendum, a mechanism the UN has largely sidelined due to its impracticality.
Spain’s strategic recalibration
Spain’s 2022 decision to support Morocco’s Autonomy Plan reflects a pragmatic response to regional security challenges. Improved relations with Morocco have bolstered Spain’s border security and migration management, particularly following the 2021 Ceuta crisis. Montero’s rhetoric, which highlights Spanish colonial legacies in Ceuta and Melilla, further complicates her position, exposing contradictions in her critique of Morocco’s territorial claims.
EU-Morocco agreement: A pathway to growth
The EU-Morocco agricultural agreement champions economic opportunity and transparency, ensuring benefits for small and medium producers in the southern provinces. Morocco’s focus on infrastructure, education, and renewable energy in the region counters Montero’s claims of exploitation, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable and inclusive development.
As Morocco solidifies its position as a linchpin in African and European trade networks, Montero’s outdated rhetoric risks isolating her politically. The EU’s partnership with Morocco reflects a forward-looking approach, prioritizing regional stability and economic growth over ideological rigidity.