EU Parliament Approves Updated Air Agreement with Morocco, Excluding Western Sahara

Despite the EU’s clear stance on the matter, several airlines continue to operate flights to Western Sahara.

The European Parliament has approved an updated air agreement between the EU and Morocco, excluding the disputed territory of Western Sahara. The agreement was adopted by 625 votes in favor, 16 against, and 20 abstaining.

The update reflects the EU’s accession of Croatia to the union and does not alter the territorial scope of the existing aviation agreement. However, several European airlines continue to operate flights to Western Sahara, despite the Commission’s repeated statements that the agreement does not apply to this region.

Western Sahara Resource Watch (WSRW) notes that some MEPs supported the updated agreement due to its technical nature and adaptation to Croatia’s accession. Others voted against it, citing concerns about the EU’s failure to prevent airlines from operating flights to Western Sahara outside of the agreed framework.

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJUE) has previously ruled that EU-Morocco agreements cannot apply to the territory of Western Sahara unless the people of the region have given their consent. The Commission has confirmed this interpretation and informed airlines that the agreement does not apply to flights between an EU member state and Western Sahara.

Despite these clear guidelines, several European airlines continue to operate flights to Western Sahara, including Ryanair, Transavia, Air Arabia, and Binter Airlines. WSRW has contacted KLM-Air France and Air Arabia without receiving a response.

As the EU continues to navigate its relationship with Morocco and the disputed territory of Western Sahara, it remains to be seen how this will impact aviation agreements and operations in the region.