Algeria’s Relationship with the European Union in Light of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership

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Abstract

Relations between Algeria and the European Union (EU) are structured around the Association Agreement (AA) signed in 2002 within the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership and which officially entered into force in 2005. This agreement builds upon a long history of economic and political exchanges between Algeria and Europe. Since gaining independence, Algeria, as a gateway to Africa, benefited from extensive customs preferences within the European Economic Community (EEC) until the early 1970s. However, by 1972, some European member states, particularly Italy, sought to limit such preferential treatment for Algerian agricultural goods. This shift prompted Algeria to initiate negotiations with the European Community under the framework of the EEC’s Global Mediterranean Policy, leading to a new cooperation agreement supported by financial protocols, which were renewed every five years.

This article seeks to analyze the 2005 Association Agreement by examining its political, economic, and trade dimensions, as well as its implications for technical and financial cooperation and humanitarian aid. It explores the extent to which the agreement has shaped Algeria-EU relations and assesses whether it has fulfilled its intended objectives. By evaluating the key provisions and their impact, this study provides insight into the evolving nature of Algeria's partnership with the European Union and the broader dynamics of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation.