EU Demands Algeria Reverse Suspension of Spain Friendship Treaty

Less than 24 hours after the announcement of this decision, the European Commission has asked the Algerian authorities to reconsider it and to favor dialogue with Spain to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict between the two countries. "We are concerned and we ask Algeria to reverse this decision," said Eric Mamer, spokesman for the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

"Algeria’s decision to suspend the treaty of friendship and good neighborliness signed with Spain in 2002 is extremely worrying and we hope that the Algerian authorities will revise this decision," also said Nabila Massrali, the spokeswoman for Foreign Affairs, stressing that Algeria is a "partner" and a "key player" for regional stability. According to her, it is urgent to seek a solution "through dialogue".

In this perspective, the European Commission is willing to act as a mediator and provide "all necessary assistance" to restore dialogue between Madrid and Algiers, as the friendship treaty covers all areas including trade, and aims to establish a free trade area between the two countries.

"Trade is an EU competence and trade relations are between the EU and third countries, not between countries," the EU spokespersons recalled, noting that the Algerian decision would not only affect Spain but the entire EU. However, the EU does not have any leverage on Algeria, which is not a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The EU is Algeria’s leading trade partner. In 2020, trade between the two reached 24.9 billion euros.