Sahara : The EU avoids condemning Morocco's expulsion of Spanish journalists

To the disappointment of the Polisario and its allies in the European Parliament, the European Commission has opted not to condemn the recent expulsions of Spanish journalists from Western Sahara, as ordered by Moroccan authorities. Instead, the European Commission’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, provided a general response to a written inquiry from Spanish MEP Ana Miranda.

«The EU reiterates the importance of upholding and protecting the right to freedom of expression, along with all human rights, while defending their universality», Kaja Kallas.

In measured terms, the head of European diplomacy emphasized that «strengthening media freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists remain longstanding, key priorities for EU external action». She further noted that «respect for democratic principles and fundamental rights is an essential element of the EU-Morocco Association Agreement, which forms the foundation of EU-Morocco relations».

Kallas added that «human rights, including freedom of expression and freedom of the media, are addressed in regular exchanges with the Moroccan authorities and civil society organisations», though she did not elaborate further.

In her written question submitted on February 10, Ana Miranda had urged the European Commission to take action to «address» the expulsions of Spanish journalists ordered by Morocco.

Since the start of the year, Moroccan authorities have denied entry to Western Sahara for three Spanish journalists. The most recent expulsion occurred on Saturday, March 29, in Laayoune.