"If the Commission does not immediately stop the EU's fishing off Western Sahara, Parliament must take its own solemn words and seriously threaten the Commission with a vote of no confidence", stated Danish MEP.
Copenhagen, February 24th, 2010
Commenting on the European Parliament’s Legal Service report, which concluded that EU fisheries in occupied Western Sahara under its current shape are in violation of international law, Mr. Soren Sondergaard, Danish Member of the European Parliament and member Bureau of the Confederal Group of the European United left-Nordic Green left in the European Parliament said:
"It is a disgrace that the Union plunders an occupied country's natural resources. If the Commission does not immediately stop the EU's fishing off Western Sahara, Parliament must take its own solemn words and seriously threaten the Commission with a vote of no confidence", stated Mr. Sondergaard.
The Information Officer of Danish NGO Afrika Kontakt, Mr. Morten Nielsen with this regard said:
“The new Danish Foreign Affairs Minister, Ms. Lene Espersen should press for the amendment of the EU-Morocco Fisheries Agreement so that, as a minimum is in accordance with International Conventions and the EU’s own regulations.”
Mr. Nielsen asked the Minister to make sure that no Danish fishing vessels are active in the occupied Western Sahara.
MEPs from across the political spectrum sharply criticised the European Commission over its handling of EU-Morocco trade relations covering occupied Western Sahara, raising concerns over legality, transparency and an apparent disregard for Parliament’s role.
The following overview enlists stock-exchange registered companies with current or recent operations in occupied Western Sahara. Updated 15 March 2026
At its 2026 Annual General Meeting, Siemens Energy defended its involvement in wind energy projects in occupied Western Sahara.
Morocco’s ambitions to become a global green hydrogen powerhouse are accelerating. Yet, Rabat is allocating land in a territory it does not legally own.