Nordic MEPs have blacklisted the Danish consulting firm Rud Pedersen for promoting Morocco’s illegal exploitation of Sahrawi resources. The lawmakers expressed moral outrage over RP’s lobbying efforts for Morocco and reaffirmed the illegality of trade involving occupied territories. They plan to encourage colleagues in the European Parliament to adopt similar measures.
On March 12, 2025, Nordic Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) publicly denounced the involvement of the Danish consulting firm Rud Pedersen (RP) in Morocco’s exploitation of Sahrawi resources. As a result, they announced their intention to place the firm on a blacklist, urging it to sever any ties to the illegal occupation of Western Sahara.
The leftist MEPs, including Per Clausen from Denmark and Hanna Gedin from Sweden, criticized RP’s actions, stating, “Working for an occupying power… is not only morally indefensible…” They expressed their disappointment that the firm failed to uphold ethical standards.
Nordic lawmakers were informed by NGOs that RP had been hired by Morocco to assist with lobbying concerning contentious EU trade and fishing agreements. They referenced a report by Africa Intelligence, which noted that RP was commissioned by the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) to lobby in Brussels, outlining RP’s ties to Moroccan officials.
The MEPs invoked the ruling from the Court of Justice of the European Union on October 4, 2024, which reaffirmed previous annulments of trade agreements involving Western Sahara. They emphasized that goods from occupied territories must not be involved in trade agreements with the EU, condemning Morocco’s actions as unequivocally illegal according to UN classifications.
In a direct message to Rud Pedersen, the lawmakers asserted that advocating for the interests of an occupying power contradicts Nordic ethical values, and indicated they would refuse to engage with the firm on any matter until it ceases its involvement. Furthermore, Nordic representatives encouraged colleagues in the European Parliament to adopt a similar stance against firms supporting occupations, indicating that such actions should not be tolerated.
In summary, the condemnation of Rud Pedersen by Nordic MEPs highlights significant concerns regarding ethical lobbying and the legal implications of trade agreements involving Western Sahara. The MEPs’ actions not only aim to protect the rights of Sahrawi people but also emphasize the commitment of Nordic lawmakers to uphold moral standards in international relations. Their firm stance on these issues signals a broader call for accountability among EU affairs.
Original Source: al24news.com
