Visiting Algiers on Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 July, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn was due to reaffirm the EU's support for work on diversifying and updating the Algerian economy's trade system, while encouraging the Algerian government to translate into concrete reforms and action the priorities of the EU-Algeria partnership that were adopted on 13 March.
These priorities set out a political dialogue based on governance, the rule of law and the promotion of fundamental rights, as well as cooperation for socio-economic development based on stepping up trade and access to the European market. The new bilateral commitment is also aimed at developing a partnership on energy, the environment and sustainable development, and at developing a strategic dialogue on security, migration and mobility (see EUROPE 11744).
The EU is a key partner for the diversification of the Algerian economy with 18 support projects for the country's economic growth that amount to over €200 million and cover a wide range of sectors from the agri-industry to the promotion of renewable energy. In addition, the EU supports Algeria in its work to improve its business climate, to reform job training, and to ensure regulatory convergence in order to facilitate access to the EU market.
On the sidelines of Hahn's visit to Algiers, the Commission launched a twinning programme with Algeria this Thursday. This programme is in the area of information and communication technology (ICT), with the objective of strengthening the innovation regime and R&D in Algeria. Through the implementation of peer-to-peer assistance, and the sharing of expertise between European and Algerian experts, this project is aimed at improving the climate for developing ICT in Algeria and at strengthening R&D synergies between research and industry through collaboration with specialist institutes and research centres. This project will bring together experts from the German ministry of the economy, the French Sophia Antipolis Foundation, and their Algerian counterparts.
Last week, Algeria joined the partnership on research and innovation in the Mediterranean area (PRIMA), which is aimed at responding to the region's challenges of water resources and food systems (see EUROPE 11775). This programme will be launched in 2018 and will have a budget of €500 million (which will be funded for up to €220 million by the EU, and by the countries in the region – Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia – for the rest). (Original version in French by Emmanuel Hagry)