18/07/2025 (Agence Europe) – After a year of fruitless consultations with Algeria, the European Commission announced on Wednesday, 16 July, that it would be bringing its dispute with Algiers over trade barriers that are crippling free trade between the two parties before a special arbitration panel. This arbitration panel is provided for in the trade agreement, which has been in force since 2005. In 2021, Algeria introduced an import licensing system that, according to the European Commission, is equivalent to import bans for certain products. This is the case for marble and ceramic products. The country also imposes a cap on foreign ownership as well as onerous registration requirements for importing companies. The European Commission has therefore decided to create an arbitration panel and, consequently, has appointed an arbitrator for this matter. It expects Algeria to do the same within two months. A third arbitrator will be appointed by the EU-Algeria Association Council. (LM)