Belgium has officially endorsed Morocco’s 2007 autonomy plan for Western Sahara, describing it as “the most credible, serious, and realistic basis” for resolving the long-standing territorial dispute. The announcement followed a joint declaration signed in Brussels between Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot, according to Reuters.
This endorsement places Belgium among a growing number of Western nations including the United States, France, Spain, Germany, and Portugal that have publicly supported Morocco’s proposal, which offers limited self-governance for the region under Moroccan sovereignty. While Morocco has welcomed the move as a diplomatic victory, the United Nations continues to back a negotiated settlement that could still include the option of self-determination.
The Polisario Front and Algeria have strongly criticized Belgium’s stance, arguing that it undermines the right of the Sahrawi people to a referendum on independence. Alongside its political declaration, Belgium also signed agreements with Morocco on migration management, security cooperation, and judicial collaboration, as reported by the Belgian News Agency.
Analysts note that the decision could further strengthen Morocco’s international standing and attract new investment to its southern provinces where Rabat is pursuing large-scale infrastructure and renewable energy projects. The move may also shift the geopolitical and economic dynamics of the North and West African region, reinforcing Morocco’s position as a growing trade and investment hub.
