MEPs’ Stealth Visit to the Sahara: A Breach of Sovereignty and Protocol

Since its establishment in 2010, the JPC has played a key role in fostering dialogue and cooperation between the parliaments of Morocco and the European Union, facilitating communication and coordination on matters of common interest.

It is standard practice that when Moroccan parliamentarians plan to travel to Brussels or Strasbourg, they inform the European Parliament and the JPC in advance to ensure proper coordination.

In this case, the European Parliament did not inform the Moroccan Parliament about this visit, which constitutes a deviation from established procedures.

If the MEPs intended to assess the human rights situation in the Sahara or other regions, they could have coordinated their visit with us. Such cooperation would have ensured a more meaningful and productive mission. It is highly irregular and unprofessional for MEPs to conduct unannounced visits, as such actions can be interpreted as a disregard for the sovereignty of the host country.

We consider this incident an affront to Morocco’s sovereignty. It is unacceptable for elected representatives to resort to covert tactics, such as secret visits, which undermine trust and cooperation between our institutions.

We reaffirm our commitment to transparent and respectful collaboration between the parliaments of Morocco and the European Union, adhering to established protocols and mutually respecting each other’s sovereignty.