Nordic MEPs Blacklist Danish Lobbyists Supporting Morocco’s Occupation
Nordic MEPs criticize Rud Pedersen for lobbying for Morocco, linking it to illegal occupation of Western Sahara. They assert such actions contradict international law and threaten stability. The MEPs will refuse to meet with RP until it severs ties with Morocco’s lobbying efforts, signaling a strong stance against occupation and exploitation.
The actions of a Danish lobbying firm, Rud Pedersen (RP), in their support of Moroccan interests have drawn significant criticism from Nordic Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). Such involvement, especially with an occupying power, fosters instability and raises serious moral questions. Connections between RP and Moroccan government entities, particularly via the CGEM, highlight a troubling trend of lobbying for trade agreements that exploit resources from illegally occupied territories, specifically Western Sahara.
Members of the European Parliament have expressed their dismay upon learning from NGOs that RP is aiding Morocco in its lobbying efforts regarding controversial trade agreements with the EU. Reports from Africa Intelligence reveal how CGEM has engaged RP to advocate for Moroccan trade interests, particularly in fisheries—a sector linked to rights sold by Morocco from the territory of Western Sahara, recognized as illegally occupied by both the EU and the UN.
This situation is underscored by past judicial decisions, specifically the European Court of Justice’s ruling that nullified prior fisheries and trade agreements due to Morocco’s exploitation of resources without proper benefits for the Saharawi population. As a direct consequence, Nordic politicians assert that goods derived from occupied territories should not enjoy the privileges of EU trade agreements.
The MEPs, including Per Clausen, Hanna Gedin, Jonas Sjöstedt, and Jussi Saramo, maintain that Rud Pedersen’s actions contradict Nordic values and international law. Therefore, they have collectively resolved to refuse meetings with RP while they continue to support Moroccan lobbying efforts. They emphasize their commitment to advocating for justice and affirm that occupation should not be tolerated in political discourse.
The Nordic Left’s message to Rud Pedersen is unequivocal: their indirect representation of Moroccan interests is untenable. Until the firm dissociates itself from these controversial lobbying practices, it will remain on a blacklist that defines who these politicians will engage with. MEPs are prepared to foster awareness among their colleagues as they uphold their stance, reinforcing the principle that complicity with such issues has palpable consequences.
The involvement of Rud Pedersen in Moroccan lobbying efforts for trade agreements concerning Western Sahara has elicited strong backlash from Nordic MEPs. These politicians stand firm in their belief that supporting an occupying power contradicts international law and moral integrity. They assert their commitment to justice by refusing to engage with RP until it disassociates from its lobbying activities for Morocco, thereby preserving their values and responding appropriately to complicit relationships in geopolitical matters.
Original Source: euobserver.com
