Morocco Expels European MPs Over Unauthorized Entry Attempt

This behavior, in violation of Moroccan regulations concerning the entry of foreigners, led the local authorities of Laâyoune to take measures of prohibition. Morocco has reaffirmed that "respect for national sovereignty remains a red line that cannot be crossed under any pretext".

These European officials would have tried to use their parliamentary status to promote an agenda favorable to separatist theses, and this, without any official mandate from the European Parliament. This approach is contrary to the rules governing official visits.

This expulsion is part of the protection of Morocco’s sovereignty and the rejection of any foreign interference in its internal affairs, particularly those not respecting the official channels of cooperation between Morocco and the European Union.

The incident comes as relations between Morocco and the European Union are in a positive phase, notably after a meeting in December between Rachid Talbi Alami, President of the Moroccan House of Representatives, and Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, during which the importance of dialogue and cooperation was emphasized.