The Coordinating Body of Farmers and Livestock Breeders Organizations in Spain (COAG) has announced plans to pursue legal action against the trade agreement between the European Commission and Morocco, claiming that it improperly includes products from Western Sahara.
According to a statement from COAG, the agreement contradicts the rulings of the European Court of Justice, which has established that Western Sahara is a non-independent territory, legally separate from Morocco». The organization argues that including products from this territory without consulting its legitimate representatives constitutes a breach of international law.
Andrés Góngora, COAG's secretary-general in Almería and head of the fruits and vegetables sector, criticised the European Commission. He said the institution is ignoring the European Court's decisions and bypassing the European Parliament, and argued that the agreement encourages unfair competition.
Góngora added that modifying an international agreement in this way sets a dangerous precedent. He stressed that the changes were made without consulting the agricultural sector, assessing its economic impact, or securing the European Parliament's approval, adding that this decision directly affects thousands of European farmers.
COAG warned of possible economic consequences, stating that the agreement jeopardizes the profitability of countless fruit and vegetable farms and primarily benefits large importing companies». The organization also raised concerns over increasing issues related to product labeling.
The group confirmed that it is preparing to take legal measures to contest the inclusion of Western Sahara products in the agreement, citing the need for compliance with European legal rulings and protection of growers' interests in Spain and across the EU.
Source: YabilAdi
