Summary:

On 15 December 2024, Algeria’s official media reported that Foreign Affairs Minister, Ahmed Attaf, summoned French Ambassador Stéphane Romatet over accusations of efforts by France to destabilize the country. 

During the meeting, the Algerian Ambassador identified a plot organized by French General Direction of Exterior Security (DGSE) to recruit former terrorists in order to destabilize the country.  

The Algerian diplomat also reproached efforts by French diplomats to hold meetings with Algerians known for their hostility toward state institutions and the government more broadly. 

Algerian diplomatic officials did not announce the meeting, but French Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed it later on television, expressing regret at such unfounded accusations by Algeria.  

Meanwhile, recent reports based on Eurostat data indicated that Algeria has ascended to the position of the first non-European gas supplier to Europe ahead of Russia with 21.6% of total European imports in gas. 

Outlook: 

Relations between France and Algeria have worsened since France officially supported Morocco’s agenda in Western Sahara, making a shift in what had been long-standing foreign policy on that particular issue.  

The accusations that France was organizing a plot against Algeria reflects a concerning level of tension between the two states that may lead to repercussions on the Algerian diaspora in France as many French circles are already calling for the revision of the 1968 accords. The 1968 accords, signed at the end of the French-Algeria War, grant a number of immigration exemptions to Algerian citizens. 

While tensions are growing with France, these developments are unlikely to result in disruptions to the Algerian gas supply to Europe. Algeria remains, to some extent, dependent on Europe for cooperation on the energy exports that support its economy. Despite frustrations with shifting European positions on Western Sahara, Algeria remains committed to sustaining its energy export relationships, as previous tensions of this nature with Spain have shown.

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