After worsening ties with almost all of its immediate north African neighbors, Algeria has entrenched its self-inflicted diplomatic and economic isolation by hostile moves against Spain, triggering a firm reaction from the EU. The escalation against Spain is reflective of a military regime in disarray that is reacting hysterically without prior examination. The Algerian trade restriction decision omitted the fact that the EU is a customs union wherein trade falls within the realm of the EU’s exclusive competence. Algeria’s use of gas to blackmail Spain will only rally the rest of the EU to Spain as well as to supporting Morocco’s autonomy plan. Algeria has now worsened its ties with its northern neighbors just like it did with its immediate north African neighbors.

Source: The North Africa Journal June 13, 2022 11:19 UTC