Nordic MEPs have declared the Danish consulting firm Rud Pedersen (RP) as blacklisted due to its role in Morocco’s exploitation of Sahrawi resources. The firm’s actions have been condemned for disregarding ethical standards and contributing to global instability. MEPs reaffirmed the legal and moral illegitimacy of trade agreements involving occupied territories, calling for solidarity in opposing such practices.
On March 12, 2025, Nordic representatives in the European Parliament (EP) expressed strong disapproval of Morocco’s decision to hire the Danish consulting firm Rud Pedersen (RP) for lobbying purposes. This engagement was deemed an effort to promote the illegal exploitation of Sahrawi fishery and agricultural resources in Europe. As a result, the MEPs declared that they will blacklist RP until it severs ties with these activities.
The leftist MEPs from Denmark, Sweden, and Finland emphasized the moral implications of working for an occupying power. They indicated that the firm’s involvement not only compromises ethical standards but also fosters global instability. They initially hoped RP would adhere to ethical norms, but expressed disappointment when they learned of its engagement with Morocco.
Lawmakers were shocked to discover through NGOs that RP had been retained by Moroccan authorities to lobby in Brussels regarding contentious trade agreements. This situation became public following reports from Africa Intelligence, which revealed the economic connections between the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) and the Moroccan government, including hiring relatives of officials.
MEPs cited previous declarations by RP, which confirmed its lobbying efforts focused on trade and agriculture for Morocco, despite the doubts raised regarding the legality of agreements involving occupied territories. They cited a landmark ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union that reaffirmed earlier decisions, highlighting that trade agreements cannot include products from illegally occupied regions.
The EP members reiterated that the exploitation of Western Sahara is illegal and firmly classified as a non-self-governing territory by the United Nations. They expressed their unyielding opposition to such actions, stating that they contradict fundamental Nordic values and ethics.
In a clear message to RP, the MEPs voiced their refusal to engage with the firm on any issues unless it discontinues its support for Moroccan interests, signifying a broader stance within the European Parliament to distance from entities supporting occupation. They encouraged their colleagues to adopt a unified approach against those who align with occupying forces.
The European MEPs have taken a strong stance against the engagement of Rud Pedersen by Morocco, declaring a blacklist on the firm until it terminates its involvement in the illegal exploitation of Western Sahara. This resolution underlines the principles of ethical lobbying and international law, asserting that products from occupied territories cannot be traded under EU agreements. Furthermore, the MEPs urge for collective action among European representatives to oppose any support for state-sponsored occupation and exploitation.
Original Source: al24news.com
