France has asked the European Commission to investigate Algeria’s alleged violations of a trade agreement with the European Union, escalating a diplomatic dispute between the two countries.
Paris accused Algeria of imposing an almost complete blockade on French imports and suspending shipments of urea, a chemical widely used in fertiliser production.
According to Africanews, the French government formally requested EU intervention on Friday, November 13, seeking a review of Algeria’s compliance with its trade obligations.
The move adds a new economic dimension to already strained relations between France and its former North African colony.
France seeks EU action against Algeria
The dispute centres on the EU-Algeria Association Agreement, which entered into force in 2005.
The agreement was designed to strengthen economic cooperation, reduce trade barriers and progressively eliminate tariffs between Algeria and EU member states.
However, French authorities argue that Algeria’s recent trade restrictions may violate those commitments.
A spokesperson for France’s Foreign Ministry said the agreement provides mechanisms for responding when a participating party fails to fulfil its obligations.
Consequently, Paris has asked the European Commission to determine whether those mechanisms can be activated.
The French government wants Brussels to examine the allegations without delay.
However, the European Commission has not announced a decision on possible measures in the supplied report.
Trade tensions deepen diplomatic rift
The latest disagreement comes amid deteriorating diplomatic relations between France and Algeria.
The two countries share a complicated history shaped by more than a century of French colonial rule and Algeria’s struggle for independence.
In recent years, disagreements over regional politics and historical grievances have further strained their relationship.
One major source of tension has been Western Sahara.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s support for Morocco’s position on the disputed territory has contributed to worsening relations with Algeria.
Algeria supports the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for Western Sahara.
The disagreement has become an important issue in diplomatic relations between Paris and Algiers.
Colonial history remains a source of tension
Historical grievances have also contributed to the diplomatic crisis.
According to Africanews, Algeria passed legislation last year describing French colonisation as a state crime.
France condemned the move as hostile, highlighting the continuing disagreements over how the colonial period should be remembered.
These tensions have complicated efforts to improve bilateral cooperation.
Now, the trade dispute threatens to bring the European Union more directly into the disagreement.
EU response could shape next steps
France’s request places the European Commission at the centre of a potentially significant economic dispute.
Brussels must assess whether Algeria’s reported restrictions breach the terms of the existing association agreement.
Any response could influence commercial relations between Algeria and European businesses.
However, the allegations remain France’s position, and the supplied report does not include an Algerian government response to the latest request.
For now, the dispute highlights how longstanding political disagreements are increasingly affecting economic relations between France and Algeria.