The European Union’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson has reaffirmed that neither the EU nor any of its member states recognises the so-called Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR).

This puts an end to what officials described as deliberate attempts to exploit the ongoing EU-AU ministerial meeting in Rome.

The clarification followed heightened commentary by separatist-affiliated outlets regarding the presence of the self-proclaimed SADR at the EU-African Union gathering.

The EU spokesperson stressed that the EU-AU ministerial meetings are jointly organised and co-chaired by both institutions, and that the “agreed modalities provide that each party is responsible for inviting its own members.”

He confirmed that the invitation extended to the entity in question came solely from the African Union.

“Invitations to African members are sent by the African Union,” the spokesperson said, distancing the EU from any responsibility for the presence of the SADR.

He reiterated, “The EU’s position is well known: neither the EU nor any of its member states recognise the SADR,” emphasising that the entity’s participation in the meeting “has no impact whatsoever on this position.”