Mario Cabrera: “Europe Can’t Support a Deal That Contradicts Its Own Rules”

The Majorcan deputy says the Canary Islands cannot be complicit in the violation of international treaties regarding the Sahara

The deputy of the Canarian Nationalist Group (CCa), Mario Cabrera González, spoke before the European Affairs Committee of the Parliament of the Canary Islands to question the measures taken by the European Union concerning Moroccan incursions into the waters of Western Sahara and the Canary Islands.

During his intervention, Cabrera emphasized that the new EU‑Morocco trade and fisheries agreement breaches established international treaties. He warned that the pact could further undermine Canarian fishing, “which was already being affected by Morocco’s political stance on the Canarian‑Sahrawi fishing bank.”

“Morocco carries out incursions and unilateral actions in waters close to the archipelago, extending its maritime jurisdiction over Western Sahara waters, violating international principles and agreements, which have led to the cancellation of fishing agreements without Sahrawi consent,” the deputy explained.

This Moroccan activity has impacted the Canarian artisanal fleet, “which can no longer fish in traditional grounds shared with the Sahara.” According to the deputy, this creates legal uncertainty, harms the economic activity of the Canarian fleet, and threatens the sustainability of marine resources, “requiring a coordinated and firm response from European, national and Canary institutions.”

Cabrera also criticized the new EU‑Alawi Kingdom trade agreement for allowing products from the occupied territories to be marketed with Moroccan labeling.

“The EU officially states that it does not recognize Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, yet the trade agreements effectively integrate the occupied territories into the Moroccan economy,” he questioned.

He accused the European body of double standards, noting that the EU‑Morocco deal contradicts rulings of the European Court of Justice concerning the Sahrawi people’s sovereignty, their right to self‑determination, and control over natural resources.

“Europe not only remains silent, but also appears supportive of moving forward with this treaty, with the backing of the Spanish Government,” the parliamentarian said.
“We want to maintain good relations with both neighboring countries, Morocco and Western Sahara, and for that the international agreements must be respected,” he added.

Cabrera also highlighted the lack of phytosanitary controls by the State, which permits the entry of material from the occupied territories into the Canary Islands. As an example, he cited the recent seizure and unloading of the vessel Dura Bulk in Puerto del Rosario, which was carrying sand from El Aaiún.

“The Canary Islands must not be complicit in this breach of international treaties, and Europe cannot back an agreement that contradicts its own rules, as it reveals a lack of credibility,” he asserted.

“We cannot continue to allow natural resources and the inalienable rights of a people to be subordinated to commercial interests, because, sadly, we know the consequences this can bring,” he concluded.