Algeria’s Boughali, EU Ambassador Discuss Bilateral Relations, Parliamentary Cooperation, and Key Geopolitical Issues

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algeria and the European Union: Strengthening Strategic Ties Amid Calls for Greater Cooperation

Algiers, Algeria | February 21st, 2025 — Algeria reaffirmed its longstanding and strategic relationship with the European Union (EU) during a high-level meeting on Thursday in Algiers, where Brahim Boughali, President of the People’s National Assembly (APN), received Diego Mellado Pascua, head of the EU delegation to Algeria. The meeting, attended by Vice President of the APN, Monder Bouden, served as a platform to evaluate the state of Algeria-EU relations, parliamentary cooperation, and pressing international issues.

A Renewed Vision for Algeria-EU Economic Relations

Boughali hailed the 46-year-long relationship between Algeria and the EU, emphasizing that under the leadership of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Algeria has embarked on a new path in its economic engagements. This shift, he asserted, aligns with Algeria’s commitment to redefining its partnerships based on mutual benefit, particularly in light of evolving economic realities.

“In recent years, Algeria has prioritized a model that ensures balanced, win-win partnerships in all its international engagements, including with the European Union,” Boughali stated. He underscored that this approach seeks to strengthen Algeria’s economic sovereignty while fostering productive collaboration with its European partners.

Algeria’s Discontent with the EU-Algeria Joint Parliamentary Committee

Turning to parliamentary cooperation, Boughali expressed deep dissatisfaction with the inefficiency of the Algeria-EU Joint Parliamentary Committee, which, despite its establishment, has convened only once since its inception. This stagnation, he noted, has hindered constructive dialogue and the advancement of parliamentary diplomacy between the two sides.

He called for a revitalization of parliamentary mechanisms, urging more dynamic exchanges to address mutual concerns, particularly in economic affairs, migration policies, and security cooperation.

Algeria’s Unwavering Foreign Policy Stance: Sovereignty, Self-Determination, and Justice

On the international front, Boughali reaffirmed Algeria’s steadfast commitment to the principles of state sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations. He reiterated Algeria’s unyielding support for just causes worldwide, with a specific emphasis on the Sahrawi issue and the Palestinian question.

Regarding Western Sahara, Boughali stressed that the issue must be resolved through the principle of self-determination, in strict accordance with UN resolutions and international law. Algeria, he affirmed, remains resolute in its support for the legitimate rights of the Sahrawi people, rejecting any attempts to bypass their right to self-determination.

Criticism of the European Parliament’s Double Standards on Palestine

In a pointed critique, Boughali condemned the European Parliament’s inconsistent stance on the Palestinian cause, denouncing its double standards in addressing international conflicts. He urged EU member states to follow the example of Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia, which recently recognized the State of Palestine, calling for greater coherence in Europe’s foreign policy regarding the Palestinian issue.

Boughali also praised the EU’s backing of the July 2024 ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which classified the Zionist entity’s presence in Palestinian territories as illegal. He emphasized that such rulings must be translated into concrete actions to uphold international law and human rights.

Expanding Algeria-EU Cooperation: A Call for a Comprehensive Review

Proposing a structured and forward-looking dialogue, Boughali suggested organizing a study day dedicated to exploring Algeria-EU partnership mechanisms and prospects for enhanced cooperation. He argued that such an initiative would facilitate a critical review of the existing framework and identify opportunities for a more balanced and mutually beneficial collaboration.

Ambassador Diego Mellado Pascua welcomed this proposal, highlighting that such an event would provide an opportunity to assess the state of the Algeria-EU Association Agreement and explore avenues to strengthen economic and strategic ties.

“Algeria is an indispensable partner for Europe,” the EU envoy stated, citing Algeria’s position as the second-largest gas supplier to the EU and a key pillar of regional stability. He further acknowledged that Algeria’s role extends beyond economic and trade relations, necessitating a broader reassessment of bilateral ties within the framework of the Mediterranean Charter.

Towards a More Equitable and Strategic Partnership

As the meeting concluded, both sides agreed on the need for a comprehensive revision of Algeria-EU relations, with a focus on fostering a more equitable, dynamic, and forward-looking partnership. The discussions underscored Algeria’s determination to assert itself as a sovereign economic player while maintaining its principled foreign policy stance on global justice issues.

Algeria’s call for a revitalized, balanced, and pragmatic engagement with the EU signals a pivotal moment in their long-standing relationship—one that demands reciprocity, respect for national sovereignty, and a renewed commitment to genuine cooperation.

 

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