The Morocco-Algeria rivalry is remaking Europe’s North Africa policy

What the report says

Al Jazeera published an opinion analysis by Abd-el-Kader Cheref arguing that the rivalry between Morocco and Algeria is increasingly influencing how European governments approach North Africa. The piece points to three high-level diplomatic trips in July 2026: French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu’s delegation visit to Morocco on July 15-16, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s trip to Berlin around the same period, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s July 20 visit to Algiers.

The article identifies Western Sahara as the central dispute. Morocco controls most of the territory and treats support for its sovereignty claim or autonomy plan as a major benchmark in foreign relations, while Algeria supports the Polisario Front’s independence position. Cheref writes that Morocco’s influence comes through cooperation on intelligence, migration, investment and African networks, while Algeria has leverage through gas supplies, its domestic market, and regional security and diplomatic weight.

France and Spain are presented as key examples. France’s 2024 support for Morocco’s position on Western Sahara repaired ties with Rabat but triggered a crisis with Algiers, including Algeria’s recall of its ambassador. Spain’s 2022 shift toward Morocco’s autonomy proposal similarly improved relations with Rabat but led Algeria to suspend a friendship treaty and restrict most non-gas trade, according to the article.

The analysis says European governments are now trying to manage both relationships without treating them separately. France is deepening strategic ties with Morocco, Spain is trying to rebuild cooperation with Algeria while maintaining its Morocco rapprochement, and Algeria is expanding options with partners such as Germany, including on energy and migration.