EU Cartography Update Recognizes Western Sahara’s Distinct Status

Copernicus Program Revises Maps After Renewed Scrutiny

The European Union’s Copernicus meteorological program has officially revised its cartographic data, now delineating Western Sahara as a territory separate from Morocco. This significant update follows a period of intense scrutiny and public denunciation regarding the program’s previous mapping practices.

Cartographic Correction Implemented

The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) confirmed the adjustment, acknowledging that its graphic libraries previously lacked the necessary distinctions for Western Sahara. This issue also affected Spain’s National Meteorological Agency (AEMET), which relies on Copernicus’s mapping system. A dotted line has now been introduced to clearly mark the boundaries of Western Sahara, distinguishing it from Moroccan territory.

Legal Precedent Bolsters Cartographic Change

This cartographic revision aligns with recent legal pronouncements from the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). In October 2024, the court reiterated the “separate” and “distinct” legal status of Western Sahara in relation to Morocco. The CJEU has consistently affirmed this independent status in its rulings since 2015, emphasizing its standing under international law.

For instance, in 2023, the EU finalized a fisheries agreement with Morocco, but crucially excluded any mention or reference to Western Sahara, reflecting the court’s long-standing position on the territory’s distinctiveness.

Advocacy Drives Cartographic Transparency

The impetus for this change was significantly amplified by reporting that highlighted the previous lack of separation. An investigative piece in April brought attention to the Spanish weather agency’s use of maps on its social media that erroneously conflated Western Sahara with Morocco.

The CAMS service stated its commitment to resolving the technical challenges, working with its software provider to implement the corrected visualizations. This ensures greater accuracy and adherence to international legal frameworks in public-facing data.