A bilateral meeting between Morocco and the European Union was cancelled, according to diplomatic sources cited by Efe. The planned talks with the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, were put off for a date in September in Rabat. The decision came with no detailed explanations from the sources, who simply indicated that the move was made, and that the high representative’s visit to Morocco would be inappropriate under the circumstances.
Moroccan Foreign Minister Naser Burita condemned remarks made by Borrell last Tuesday, which suggested a referendum or consultation in the Sahara to determine the region’s future. During a press conference in Rabat with her German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock, Burita indicated that she hoped Borrell experienced a momentary lapse rather than a policy shift.
In a separate interview with RTVE on the preceding Tuesday, Borrell stated that the Spanish government’s stance on the Western Sahara dispute mirrors the position of the European Union. He emphasized support for a consultation that would let the Saharawi people decide their future, aligning with the EU’s referenced approach to the issue.
Josep Borrell later reiterated, through a social media post attributed to La Hora TVE, that the Spanish government’s position remained consistent with the EU’s, advocating for a process in which the Saharawi community could choose its own course. The post was circulated with a brief note noting the source as La Hora TVE, approximately one hour after Borrell’s comments were reported.
In remarks given to EFE the following day, the high representative described his previous statements as reflecting a belief that the Sahara issue could be resolved through an agreement among the involved parties and within the framework of United Nations resolutions. He underscored that any durable solution must align with international norms and the UN’s mandate for the territory’s status.
Analysts note that the unfolding exchanges highlight a broader tension between European partners and Morocco on Western Sahara’s status, with each side signaling its red lines while aiming to preserve regional stability. The interplay between Rabat and Brussels continues to be a focal point for regional diplomacy, particularly given Morocco’s strategic position and its role in regional security initiatives. This episode might influence future talks and the cadence of high-level visits, depending on how diplomatic channels interpret the remarks and how officials choose to proceed in the coming weeks. Attribution: statements and paraphrased summaries are drawn from Efe, RTVE, and social media postings as reported in contemporary briefings and press interactions.