Algeria and milk powder

25.7.2024

Question for written answer  E-001426/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Bert-Jan Ruissen (ECR)

Since the end of last year Algeria has been applying additional halal certification requirements for EU products exported to Algeria. Algeria accepts only halal certificates issued by the Grande Mosquée de Paris (GMP). The cost of obtaining these certificates is higher than that of other halal certificates. This additional obligation applies only to products from the European Union and not to products from other parts of the world.[1]

• 1.Does the Commission consider that the Algerian measure of accepting only GMP halal certificates is unreasonable and disproportionate?
• 2.Does it consider that Algeria is discriminating against European exporters by imposing this measure only on products originating from the EU?
• 3.Is it working to get this additional requirement removed in the talks being held with Algeria as part of the dispute settlement case launched in June 2024 under the EU-Algeria Association Agreement?

Submitted: 25.7.2024

• [1] https://drive.google.com/file/d/12zFnE5rZnpN_lxlHQ3nlTFt4CpvrMnDS/view?pli=1