Nordic MEPs have blacklisted Danish consulting firm Rud Pedersen for lobbying Morocco’s illegal exploitation of Sahrawi resources. They condemned the firm’s actions as morally indefensible and pledged to oppose any ties with an occupying power. The MEPs highlighted the illegality of trade agreements including occupied resources, citing a ruling from the European Court of Justice.
On March 12, 2025, Nordic Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) announced their decision to blacklist the Danish consulting firm Rud Pedersen (RP), which was hired by Morocco to promote the illegal exploitation of Sahrawi fishery and agricultural products. This action stems from concerns over Morocco’s occupation of Western Sahara and the firm’s involvement in lobbying regarding controversial trade and fishing agreements with the European Union (EU).
The MEPs issued a declaration urging the firm to sever any connections with the occupation, stating, “We urge you to sever all direct or indirect ties with the illegal and immoral occupation of Western Sahara and its people.” This sentiment was echoed by leftist MEPs from Nordic countries, who emphasized the moral implications of working for an occupying power, describing it as “morally indefensible” and contributing to global instability.
Lawmakers expressed their surprise at RP’s engagement with Morocco, revealing that they were informed by NGOs that RP was tasked with lobbying EU officials. Reports indicated that the firm was hired by the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), which maintains strong ties with the Moroccan government, further complicating the situation as RP had recruited the daughter of Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister.
MEPs highlighted RP’s self-claimed lobbying on trade and agriculture for Morocco, referencing ongoing pursuits of trade agreements involving resources from illegally occupied Western Sahara. They invoked a critical ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union from October 4, 2024, reaffirming the illegality of including such occupied resources in trade agreements.
The MEPs reiterated that goods derived from illegally occupied territories are strictly prohibited in EU trade agreements, underlining their opposition to Morocco’s actions. Addressing RP directly, they stated, “What you are doing—indirectly representing an occupying power through its commercial interests—is immoral and contradicts Nordic values and standards.”
As a gest of solidarity, Nordic lawmakers are encouraging their colleagues in the European Parliament to adopt a similar stance against firms supporting occupation, asserting that such support should not be welcomed or tolerated. This collective position emphasizes the commitment of Nordic representatives to uphold ethical standards regarding international law and human rights.
The recent decision by Nordic MEPs to blacklist the Danish consulting firm Rud Pedersen reflects a principled stand against the illegal exploitation of occupied territories. They unequivocally condemned the firm’s involvement with Morocco, urging an adherence to international ethics and law. The MEPs are committed to ensuring that support for occupations is clearly rejected within the European Parliament, thus promoting ethical governance and respect for human rights.
Original Source: al24news.com
