The European Union is pleased about the good implementation of its support for the development of an Algerian economy that has thus far focused on income from oil and gas.
The main instrument of this support is the P3A support programme for implementation of the association agreement. An initial assessment of this programme has been made ahead of its expiry and renewal.
Launched in 2007 with €10 million, then renewed for a second phase in 2012 with €29 million, the P3A programme is in 2017 reaching the end of its third phase with a budget of €35 million.
According to a publication from the EU delegation in Algiers, the P3A programme has reportedly supported "25 specific actions and 19 missions" of the TAIEX twinning instrument – a sort of administrative coaching based on the experiences of EU member states. Furthermore, five twinnings under the P3A II have been concluded and 14 projects launched under the P3A III – on a wide range of sectors covering road safety, tax administration, civil protection, trade, public works, and the court of auditors.
The European ambassador to Algeria, John O'Rourke, says that "in the Maghreb, Algeria is a champion in using" this twinning instrument, which "responds to the needs expressed by the Algerian side" and which supports the reduction of bureaucracy and the diversification of an economy that is overly based (nearly 90%) on trade in hydrocarbons.
"The fall in hydrocarbons is in fact a chance for the rest of the economy to develop better, more able to lay the groundwork for a more diversified and solid economy", O'Rourke stated. He also mentioned the preparation of the fourth edition of the P3A. (Original version in French by Fathi B’Chir)