فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
On July 9, 2025, the European Parliament voted to include Algeria on the European Union’s list of high-risk countries for money laundering and terrorism financing, as announced by Member of the European Parliament Laurence Trochu. This decision, confirmed by official EU sources, is based on strategic deficiencies identified by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in Algeria’s national frameworks for combating money laundering and terrorist financing (AML/CFT).
Background and Procedure
The vote was part of a regular update to the EU’s high-risk jurisdictions list under Directive (EU) 2015/849. Algeria was added alongside countries such as Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Laos, Lebanon, Monaco, Namibia, Nepal, and Venezuela. This designation requires EU financial institutions to apply enhanced due diligence measures when dealing with entities from these countries.
The evaluation process involved a thorough technical assessment based on FATF criteria, including bilateral dialogues and on-site visits. Algeria had already been placed under increased monitoring by FATF in June 2025 due to gaps in supervision, law enforcement, and international cooperation.
Reasons for Inclusion
The FATF’s 2024 mutual evaluation report highlighted Algeria’s legislative and regulatory weaknesses in AML/CFT, urging faster implementation of action plans to meet international standards. The EU’s decision reflects its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of its financial system, as emphasized by EU Commissioner for Financial Services Maria Luís Albuquerque.
Economic and Financial Implications
Being listed as high-risk imposes stricter controls on financial transactions involving Algerian individuals, companies, and institutions. This could lead to delays, increased costs, and reduced foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to Algeria. European banks may require additional documentation or reject certain transactions, potentially impacting trade, especially in energy and export sectors where Algeria is a key EU partner.
Algerian Response and Mixed Reactions
Although no official statement has been issued by Algerian authorities regarding this specific vote, reports indicate that Algeria is intensifying efforts to strengthen its AML frameworks in response to the listing. This demonstrates awareness of the implications and a willingness to improve compliance to eventually be removed from the list.
Reactions on social media and in the press have been mixed, with some supporting the decision as necessary for protecting the EU’s financial system, while others criticize its timing and suggest political motives, particularly amid regional tensions related to the Western Sahara dispute.
Political and Regional Context
The decision occurs amid complex Algeria-EU relations, characterized by economic partnerships—especially in energy—and political strains. Algeria is a major natural gas supplier to Europe, governed by the 2002 Association Agreement effective since 2005. However, regional disputes, notably Algeria’s support for the Polisario Front in the Western Sahara conflict, affect perceptions. Some observers interpret the listing as political pressure, especially given increased U.S. backing of Morocco, including proposals in the U.S. Congress to designate the Polisario as a terrorist organization.
Summary of High-Risk Jurisdictions Update
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Decision Date | June 10, 2025 (Commission), July 9, 2025 (Parliament) |
| Legal Basis | Directive (EU) 2015/849 |
| Countries Added | Algeria, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Laos, Lebanon, Monaco, Namibia, Nepal, Venezuela |
| Countries Removed | Barbados, Gibraltar, Jamaica, Panama, Philippines, Senegal, Uganda, UAE |
| Evaluating Body | Financial Action Task Force (FATF) |
| Implications | Enhanced due diligence on financial transactions with listed countries |
Conclusion
The European Parliament’s vote to add Algeria to the high-risk list is grounded in FATF’s technical assessments revealing gaps in Algeria’s AML/CFT regime. While primarily a technical measure, it carries significant economic and diplomatic consequences that may affect Algeria-EU financial and trade relations. Despite the absence of an official Algerian response, reports suggest proactive measures to strengthen compliance, reflecting growing awareness of the stakes amid a complex regional and political environment where economic and political factors intertwine.
