On April 28, 2026, the government of the Canary Islands officially expressed its support for Morocco's autonomy initiative for the Western Sahara region. The announcement was made during a meeting between Canary Islands President Γngel VΓctor Torres and Moroccan officials, as reported by multiple news sources.
The Canary Islands government emphasized the importance of a political solution to the Western Sahara conflict, backing the Moroccan proposal as a viable framework. This position aligns with broader international support for the autonomy plan, which has been endorsed by several countries and the United Nations as a basis for negotiations.
Morocco's autonomy initiative, first presented in 2007, proposes granting the Western Sahara region self-governance under Moroccan sovereignty. The plan has gained increasing recognition in recent years, with the United States and other nations opening consulates in the disputed territory.
The Canary Islands' support is seen as a strategic move, given the geographical proximity and economic ties between the archipelago and Morocco. The region has historically maintained close relations with Morocco, particularly in trade and migration matters.