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EU Parliament confirms Algeria’s inclusion on high-risk terrorism financing list
The European Parliament has officially validated Algeria’s addition to the European Union’s list of high-risk countries for terrorism financing and money laundering. This decision reflects growing international concerns over Algeria’s financial practices and its alleged support for destabilizing activities in the region.
Algeria added to EU high-risk list
The European Commission announced the updated list, which includes high-risk jurisdictions such as Algeria, Angola, Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, Laos, Lebanon, Monaco, Namibia, Nepal, and Venezuela. The update aligns with the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) “jurisdictions under increased monitoring” framework.
Maria Luis Albuquerque, the EU Commissioner for Financial Services, emphasized that the inclusion of high-risk countries is critical to safeguarding the integrity of the EU’s financial ecosystem. “The updated list reiterates our strong commitment to aligning with international standards, particularly those set by FATF,” she stated.
Laurence Trochu, a Member of the European Parliament, welcomed Algeria’s inclusion, describing it as “good news” on social media.
Algeria’s ties to Polisario raise further concerns
The decision comes amid increasing calls for the international community to designate the Polisario Front, a separatist group financed, hosted, and armed by Algeria, as a terrorist organization. Republican Congressman Joe Wilson has introduced a bipartisan bill in the US Congress seeking to label the Polisario Front as a foreign terrorist group.
The bill accuses the Polisario of involvement in arms and drug trafficking within the Sahel region, deliberate ceasefire violations with Morocco, and calculated attacks targeting Moroccan civilians in border areas. These activities, observers argue, threaten regional stability and security.
Alleged Algerian support for destabilizing activities
Reports indicate Algeria’s continued military and logistical support for the Polisario Front. In April, an Algerian political analyst revealed that the regime had supplied the group with military equipment, including Fajr-54 combat drones. These drones were allegedly used in attacks on Morocco’s southern provinces, including Es-Semara, heightening security concerns.
In May, members of the Polisario issued threats aimed at deterring foreign investment in Morocco’s southern regions, further straining relations. Mustapha Sidi Ali El Bachir, a Polisario leader, issued a chilling statement, warning foreigners to stay out of the region, framing the conflict as a “wartime context.”
Strategic implications of Algeria’s inclusion
The EU’s decision to list Algeria as a high-risk country reflects growing scrutiny of its actions on the global stage. By aligning with FATF standards, the European Union sends a clear message about the importance of transparency, accountability, and adherence to international norms in combating terrorism financing and money laundering.