EU Rejects Calls for Western Sahara Probe, Reaffirms Partnership with Morocco

Brussels, The Gulf Observer: The European Union has rejected calls from a group of European Parliament lawmakers for an international investigation into alleged attacks in Western Sahara, while reaffirming its strategic partnership with Morocco and support for a United Nations-led political process to resolve the long-running dispute.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas conveyed the position in an August 14 response to a written question submitted by ten members of the European Parliament.

The lawmakers had called for an “international, independent and impartial investigation” into allegations concerning drone strikes east of the Berm, as well as a review of EU trade agreements with Morocco and restrictions on European technology, funding and military cooperation with Rabat.

Kallas, however, did not endorse the demands. Instead, she stressed that the priority should be negotiations and de-escalation, urging all parties to respect international law and supporting the UN-led process in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2797 (2025).

The EU official also reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to maintaining and strengthening its relations with Morocco, including cooperation in trade and other key areas of the bilateral partnership.

On calls concerning arms transfers, Kallas noted that decisions on individual export licences fall within the responsibility of EU member states and are governed by national legislation, the EU Common Position and the Arms Trade Treaty.

The EU’s position underscores Brussels’ continued emphasis on a negotiated political settlement of the Western Sahara issue rather than escalation, while maintaining its broad-based partnership with Morocco.