Algeria has already expressed the need for revision based on the win-win principle. But, one does not dictate one’s own rules for a sovereign country that has decided to defend its interests. Economic sovereignty is fully covered, it does not allow any diktat. No question of serving as bric-a-brac for Europe.
This observation shared by both parties is clear! The Algerian-European Association Agreement, in force for almost 20 years now, has caused a real hemorrhage in the Algerian economy. Without any exaggeration, this association only made sense in name. The official figures released concerning the first decade of the agreement support the statement.
We exported for only $1 against $10 imported. Between 2005 and 2014, our Northern partners sold us the equivalent of $195 billion against the purchase of only $12.3 billion. Our exports had only recorded a slight increase in ten years, going from $597 million to $2.3 billion.
These statistics were established – taken up by the APS – by the National Agency for the Promotion of Foreign Trade (Algex). You can see that the trade gap is huge. As proof, Algeria’s trade balance, had often shown a deficit. But why did we let things drag on despite the significant damage caused to our economy?
At the time of the “oil rent” to not call it that, denouncing this agreement was a taboo for the members of the “Issaba”. A gang that filled its pockets with a criminal approach contrary to the interests of the country. But, “different times, different customs”, things have changed, a lot even. A few days ago, the EU made a curious public statement where it announced that it had initiated a procedure for the “settlement of disputes” against Algeria, which it accuses, surprisingly, of “restricting European exports and investments” since 2021.
In this approach that feels like yet another pressure on our country whose intentions remain unacknowledged, Brussels would like, nevertheless, to engage in “a constructive dialogue with Algeria”. And why and around what to discuss? “Remove restrictions” on agricultural products and motor vehicles. And what else? “Lift the ban” on importing marble and ceramic products in their final form. Here we feel the Spanish partner behind it.
Is that all? No, there is still the “obligation” – which is disturbing – for car manufacturers to achieve a significant integration rate in the manufacture of vehicles. That’s all! One could have understood a desire on the part of the EU to reshuffle the cards for the agreement, no one is against it.
Algeria has already expressed the need for revision based on the win-win principle. But, one does not dictate one’s own rules for a sovereign country that has decided to defend its interests. Economic sovereignty is fully covered, it does not allow any diktat. No question of serving as bric-a-brac for Europe.
The bazaar economy is dead with the death of the era of mismanagement and siphoning of public funds. Algeria wants a worthwhile agreement.
