Germany's Unwavering Support for the EU-Morocco Trade Agreement
The German government has unequivocally expressed its support for the newly established trade arrangement between the European Union and Morocco, which ensures the continuation of tariff preferences for products originating from the Sahara region. This endorsement comes in the wake of a formal response to a parliamentary inquiry from the political party Die Linke, published on August 24, 2026, under document reference Drucksache 21/7703. Berlin has confirmed that it has raised no reservations regarding this agreement, signaling a strong political stance on the matter.
According to the federal government, this framework is fully compliant with the ruling issued by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) on October 4, 2024. This aligns with the conclusions drawn by the European Commission, which asserts that the text meets the court's requirements, particularly in terms of the economic benefits for local populations. The new arrangement precisely delineates the rules of origin for goods from the Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra and Dakhla-Oued Eddahab regions while establishing a mechanism for regular monitoring.
Strengthening EU-Morocco Relations
This initiative is a continuation of negotiations that began on September 10, 2025, when the EU Council authorized Brussels to adapt the protocols of the association agreement with Rabat. The German federal government's response comes at a time when the partnership between Rabat and Brussels is experiencing a renewed dynamic. In 2026, Morocco and the European Union have continued to enhance their cooperation, particularly through the activities of the EU-Morocco Association Council.
By eliminating any ambiguity regarding its position, Germany, as a significant political and economic player, reinforces the approach of European institutions that are eager to solidify their strategic partnership with Morocco under the framework of their Association Council.
As reported by lopinion.ma.
