The French government has reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, affirming its commitment to continuing the strategic partnership with Rabat.
This stance was expressed in an official response to a parliamentary question regarding the labeling of products originating from the region as “Morocco” instead of “Western Sahara.”
In its response, the French government reiterated Paris’s strong partnership with Morocco and its intention to deepen this cooperation across various fields. The government highlighted statements from President Emmanuel Macron, emphasizing that the present and future of Western Sahara are linked to Moroccan sovereignty and that France will support Rabat’s developmental efforts in the region for the benefit of local inhabitants.
The reply noted that relations between the European Union and Morocco hold a clear strategic dimension, with the EU, through its member states and institutions, having clearly expressed this direction. In this context, France confirmed its continued collaboration with European partners to enhance exchanges, particularly in the economic sphere, while respecting the principles of international law.
Regarding the debate surrounding the labeling of agricultural products from Western Sahara, the French government clarified that consideration of a ruling by the European Court of Justice would be a subject for European discussions, in partnership with Moroccan authorities. Paris emphasized its commitment to participating fully in finding a practical and sustainable solution that takes into account the interests of economic actors.
The government also stressed the importance of providing accurate and clear information to consumers, particularly concerning the origin of food products. It noted that the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs, and Fraud Control has made combating the labeling of foreign products as French a priority within its strategy, as this is seen as a fundamental tool for protecting French agriculture.
Official data revealed that enhanced monitoring activities in 2024 resulted in over 9,600 inspections nationwide, primarily targeting the most harmful forms of fraud for consumers and legitimate operators, confirming French authorities’ commitment to consumer protection and ensuring transparency concerning products.
The French government concluded by stating that the final decision in this dispute would be made by the French Higher Council, emphasizing that France will continue its substantial contribution to developing practical and sustainable solutions for economic actors, in close coordination with Moroccan authorities and relevant European institutions.
