France pledges continued development support for Western Sahara

PARIS – The French government reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to its “exceptional and reinforced” partnership with Morocco, underlining that the present and future of Western Sahara fall squarely within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty. The statement, issued by the Ministry of Economy, Finance and Industrial Sovereignty, followed a parliamentary question by RenE Pilato, a deputy from La France Insoumise, concerning the labelling of agricultural products originating from Morocco’s southern provinces, including Dakhla in Western Sahara.

The ministry’s response emphasised that Paris will continue to support Morocco’s development initiatives in the region, aimed at improving economic and social conditions for local populations. It also highlighted the strategic nature of Morocco’s relationship with the European Union. “The EU, through its member states and institutions, has clearly recognised this strategic partnership. France will continue to work with its European partners to strengthen exchanges with Morocco, particularly in economic areas, while respecting international law,” the ministry said.

The issue of product labelling has sparked legal debate in recent years. In 2020, the French agricultural confederation requested a ban on imports of certain agricultural products from Western Sahara, citing EU rules on the origin of fruits and vegetables. After the ministers’ refusal, the case was brought before the French Council of State and subsequently referred to the European Court of Justice (ECJ). On October 4, 2024, the ECJ ruled that individual EU member states cannot impose unilateral import bans, as such measures fall within the exclusive competence of the union.

The French ministry stressed that this ruling should guide EU-level discussions with Moroccan authorities regarding the labelling of agricultural products from the Sahara. It also reaffirmed that Paris is committed to providing accurate information to consumers, with the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control prioritising the fight against the mislabelling or “French-isation” of imported food.

France’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara has been clear and consistent. President Emmanuel Macron officially endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara in July 2024, describing it as the most credible, realistic, and serious solution to the decades-long Sahrawi dispute. His visit to Rabat in October 2024, at the invitation of King Mohammed VI, further demonstrated France’s backing and commitment to promoting investment and development in the region.

In January 2026, Chief Executive Officer of the French Development Agency Remy Rioux confirmed in Rabat that the agency remains committed to implementing development projects in Morocco’s southern provinces, in line with the agreements made during Macron’s visit. These projects aim to improve living standards and foster economic growth for local communities, reinforcing the broader bilateral partnership.

France’s approach reflects a dual strategy: it seeks to strengthen political and economic ties with Morocco, including recognition of its sovereignty over Western Sahara, while remaining aligned with European Union legal frameworks regarding product labelling and trade. The government also underlined the need for European-level dialogue with Moroccan authorities to find practical and sustainable solutions that protect consumer rights and ensure clear, transparent information on product origin.

This reaffirmation underscores Paris’ determination to deepen its strategic partnership with Rabat, highlighting the political and economic importance of Western Sahara to both countries, and the growing international significance of the North African region.