Finland has officially recognised Morocco’s sovereignty over the contested Western Sahara and has endorsed Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, becoming the first Nordic country to take this stance. This announcement was made in a joint statement following a meeting in Helsinki between Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his Finnish counterpart, Elina Valtonen.
“Finland considers the autonomy plan presented in 2007 as a serious and credible contribution to the UN-led political process and as a good basis for a solution agreed upon between the parties,” the statement declared.
Both ministers reaffirmed their support for the UN’s exclusive role in the political process and endorsed the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy, Staffan de Mistura, to advance this process.
Finland’s endorsement aligns with growing international backing for Morocco’s controversial Autonomy Plan, which has been opposed by neighbouring Algeria. This position marks a significant shift in the Nordic country’s foreign policy, reinforcing momentum within the EU.
This announcement comes shortly after France’s decision to recognise Rabat’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. In response, Algeria, a key supporter of the Polisario Front which seeks independence for the territory, withdrew its ambassador from Paris and threatened sanctions.
The government of Algeria described France’s decision as “morally questionable” and accused it of undermining international efforts to resolve the dispute through the UN. Algeria also expressed “great regret and strong denunciation.” The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: “Former and current colonial powers seem to know how to align, understand and assist one another.”