Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000841/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Christophe Bay (PfE), Christophe Gomart (PPE), Aleksandar Nikolic (PfE), France Jamet (PfE), André Rougé (PfE), Mélanie Disdier (PfE), Marie Dauchy (PfE), Sarah Knafo (ESN), Pierre Pimpie (PfE), Gilles Pennelle (PfE)
The EU-Algeria Association Agreement, in force since 2005, was intended to secure a balanced economic partnership. However, for several years now, and increasingly since 2021, Algeria has been repeatedly violating this agreement by imposing unilateral protectionist measures wholly at odds with its obligations.
The imposition of arbitrary restrictions on European imports, the discriminatory granting of licences, the blocking of payments, as well as the reintroduction of the 51-49% rule for foreign investments illustrate a clear desire on the part of the Algerian authorities to distort competition to the detriment of European companies. Algeria has also ceased to apply preferential tariff quotas in respect of agricultural and industrial products.
Despite the Commission’s warnings and the initiation of a dispute settlement procedure in June 2024, no improvement has been observed.
Maintaining this agreement and considering its renegotiation in 2025 would therefore be tantamount to condoning these violations and undermining the credibility of the EU’s trade commitments.
In light of the foregoing, can the Commission clarify:
- 1.What measures does it intend to take to immediately suspend the Agreement, in accordance with Article 107 thereof, in order to protect the EU’s economic interests?
- 2.Is it considering imposing targeted economic sanctions and a more restrictive trade policy on this country which has failed to honour its commitments?
Supporters[1]
Submitted: 25.2.2025
- [1] This question is supported by Members other than the authors: Julie Rechagneux (PfE), Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE)