EU leaders reaffirm importance of partnership with Morocco after CJEU ruling

European Union leaders intend to emphasize in writing the «high value» they place on relations with Morocco, as well as their commitment to strengthening cooperation with Rabat, following the European Court of Justice's decision to cancel trade agreements with Morocco, Europa Press reported following the European summit.

The European Council reaffirmed «the high value the EU places on its strategic partnership with Morocco» and the need to maintain and strengthen close ties with the Kingdom in all areas of the partnership.

The European Court of Justice ruled that trade agreements on agriculture and fisheries between the EU and Morocco are illegal, noting that they were concluded without the consent of the people of Western Sahara.

Regarding the Sahara issue, the Council referred to the UN process and resolutions aimed at finding a «just, realistic, practical, sustainable, and mutually acceptable» political solution.