SOCIAL POST: Is the European Union sueing Algeria for ties to BRICS?
The EU sees this as a threat to its influence, and is using legal tools to punish Algiers' divergence.
The EU has launched an arbitration case against Algeria over trade and investment restrictions, citing violations of the 2005 Association Agreement, a legal jab at Algeria’s growing BRICS ties.
Algeria’s Foreign Minister slammed the EU’s “unilateral” move, noting only 2 consultation sessions in 2 months resolved 6 of 8 issues. The EU’s rush to arbitration, ignoring the Partnership Council (dormant 5 years), is clearly geopolitical pressure.
Why now? Algeria’s been increasing its engagement with the BRICS orbit. Even after being rejected for membership, it has forged deals with Russia (energy, military) and China (economic pacts post-Tebboune’s visit). The EU sees this as a threat to its influence, using legal tools to punish divergence.
Russia-Algeria ties include beef and dairy exports, as well as Russian investment in energy and pharma. China’s agreements are focused on education and infrastructure, most recently with the Algiers metro. These relationships signal Algeria's push for liberalisation and commitment to sovereignty.
It's challenging Western dominance, exactly what the EU fears from North Africa. The arbitration is essentially legal warfare using trade disputes to curb Algeria’s BRICS pivot. With no Partnership Council for 5 years, the EU’s bypassing dialogue for control, mirroring neocolonial tactics. Algeria’s BRICS aspirations (despite the 2024 rejection) and new deals show a shift East. The EU’s suit is less about trade violations and more about containing this realignment. Legal battles are expected to escalate.