Russian Communists Denounce EU-Morocco Trade Agreement
The Central Committee of the Communist Party (Communists of Russia) issued a strong condemnation on October 8, 2025, against a new trade agreement between the European Union and Morocco. The Russian political party stated that the agreement constitutes a 'blatant violation of international law and the sovereign rights of the Sahrawi people' concerning Western Sahara.
Controversial Trade Deal and Legal Precedents
The condemned agreement reportedly includes products originating from occupied Western Sahara, a territory whose status is a long-standing international dispute. This move comes despite previous rulings by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). In October 2024, the CJEU annulled the application of a 2019 trade agreement to Western Sahara, granting the EU until October 4, 2025, to align its practices with international law. Critics, including the Russian Communists, argue that the new agreement circumvents these judicial decisions, which explicitly established Western Sahara as a 'separate and distinct territory from the Kingdom of Morocco' and mandated the consent of the Sahrawi people for any agreements affecting it.
Communist Party's Stance on Sahrawi Sovereignty
The Communist Party (Communists of Russia), led by Sergey Malinkovich, reaffirmed its 'full and principled solidarity' with the people of the Sahrawi Republic. The party's statement asserted that the new trade deal 'helps reinforce Morocco's illegal presence in the occupied territories' and enables 'systematic repression and human rights violations' against the Sahrawi population. They emphasized that the agreement undermines international efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in the region and violates the fundamental right of peoples to self-determination, as enshrined in the United Nations Charter and resolutions. The party also highlighted that the Polisario Front is recognized as the 'sole legitimate representative' of the Sahrawi people.
Wider International Criticism
The Russian Communists are not alone in their criticism. Various Sahrawi organizations, legal experts, and civil society groups across Europe have also voiced strong objections to the EU-Morocco trade deal. These groups contend that extending trade preferences to Western Sahara without Sahrawi consent directly breaches international and EU law. Other communist parties globally, including the Portuguese Communist Party, have previously condemned similar arrangements or Morocco's actions in Western Sahara, emphasizing the need for the Sahrawi people's consent and adherence to international legal frameworks.
7 Comments
Manolo Noriega
While the legal concerns raised by the CJEU are significant, the EU likely prioritizes economic stability and diplomatic ties with Morocco. It's a complex balance between legal principles and geopolitical realities.
Fuerza
The Communist Party's stance highlights a genuine issue of self-determination, but it's also convenient for Russia to criticize Western alliances. Geopolitical agendas often overshadow the humanitarian aspects of such disputes.
Manolo Noriega
It's clear the Sahrawi people's rights are being sidestepped, which is worrying for international norms. However, the article doesn't fully explore Morocco's perspective or the potential economic benefits the deal might bring to other stakeholders.
Ongania
Western Sahara is historically Moroccan. These 'rights' are just an excuse for meddling.
Fuerza
The EU has every right to make trade deals. This is just political interference from Russia.
Loubianka
Why are Russian Communists lecturing anyone on international law or human rights?
Noir Black
Sahrawi people deserve self-determination. This agreement is completely unethical.