Denmark Backs Morocco's Sahara Autonomy Plan

Denmark announced on Friday, September 4, 2026, its support for Morocco's autonomy plan to resolve the Sahara dispute, during a joint press conference in Copenhagen bringing together Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita, who was on a working visit to Denmark.

What the Danish Minister Said

Rasmussen described the Moroccan proposal as "a good base for reaching a solution agreed upon by the parties," calling it "credible" and a "serious and essential contribution" to the ongoing UN process. He said Denmark aligns with the European Union's position and welcomes the UN Security Council's adoption of Resolution 2797 on the issue.

The Danish top diplomat described Morocco as "a reliable ally on the southern flank," adding that Europe and Denmark need "a reliable friend like Morocco." He indicated that Denmark could move closer to the US position on the Sahara issue as discussions continue.

A New Strategic Partnership Between Rabat and Copenhagen

The two ministers agreed to establish a strategic partnership between their countries, set to be formally signed in December 2026 in Rabat. The partnership covers political and security dimensions, along with economic cooperation in water technology, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and infrastructure, as well as migration cooperation and the creation of a joint Morocco-Denmark business council.

Why It Matters

Denmark's position comes amid growing European support for Morocco's autonomy plan following the UN Security Council's adoption of Resolution 2797, even as some European actors, such as Spain's Vox party, which recently called for suspending the friendship treaty between Spain and Morocco, take a more tense stance toward Rabat. The Danish announcement, combined with the upcoming economic partnership, strengthens Morocco's position as a growing strategic partner for European Union countries in energy, security and migration.