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

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu concluded a high-profile visit to Morocco on July 16, marking a renewed alignment between Paris and Rabat. This came just four days after Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune met with German leaders in Berlin, reinforcing Algiers' strategic ties with Berlin. The timing underscored the growing influence of the Morocco-Algeria rivalry in shaping European foreign policy toward North Africa. The core issue dividing the two nations is the status of Western Sahara. Morocco asserts control over most of the territory and frames support for its sovereignty claim or its autonomy proposal as a key criterion for foreign partnerships. Algeria, meanwhile, supports the Polisario Front's call for independence and reacts strongly when European governments back Rabat's stance. Recent developments highlight how this dispute has become a focal point for diplomatic maneuvering among European powers. Morocco and Algeria both wield considerable influence. Morocco offers intelligence and counterterrorism collaboration, assistance in managing migration flows, investment prospects, and access to its extensive African economic networks. Algeria, in turn, possesses vast natural gas reserves, a robust domestic market, and significant sway over regional security and diplomacy in the Maghreb and the Sahel. These assets make both nations critical players in European strategies aimed at stabilizing and engaging North Africa. European governments must navigate these dual relationships carefully, as decisions favoring one nation often affect the other. France exemplifies this dynamic. In 2024, President Emmanuel Macron endorsed Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and positioned Morocco’s autonomy proposal as a foundation for resolving the conflict. This move ended years of tension between Paris and Rabat but caused an immediate rift with Algeria, leading to the recall of its ambassador. Lecornu’s recent visit signaled that France does not view its 2024 decision as a temporary diplomatic adjustment. Instead, it is constructing a broader strategic alliance with Morocco centered on shared interests. The two nations have intensified cooperation in areas such as energy, investment, security, migration, education, and infrastructure. Discussions included plans for a direct electricity link to transfer renewable energy from Morocco to France, along with ongoing preparations for a future bilateral treaty. France sees Morocco as a reliable partner amid declining influence in the Sahel. Many regional governments have expelled French military forces, reduced diplomatic ties with Paris, or pursued alternative security alliances. Morocco, conversely, has expanded its economic and diplomatic footprint in West Africa through sectors like banking, telecommunications, construction, and religious and security cooperation. This makes Rabat a valuable ally for Paris, offering access to markets and resources while supporting France’s geopolitical objectives. In return, Morocco benefits from increased investment, enhanced diplomatic standing, and greater international backing for its claims in Western Sahara. The depth of France’s commitment is evident in what it appears willing to overlook. During Lecornu’s visit, reports surfaced suggesting Moroccan intelligence had allegedly used the Israeli-made Pegasus spyware to monitor senior French officials, including Lecornu while he served as minister of local authorities. Morocco has consistently denied these accusations. Despite the controversy, the visit proceeded without disruption. Both sides publicly emphasized their security cooperation and moved forward with plans for a more comprehensive strategic partnership. This underscores the significance France now assigns to its relationship with Morocco, even amidst unresolved issues. The choice to prioritize Morocco has come at a cost. France’s ties with Algeria have long been strained by historical grievances, migration concerns, and security disputes. Macron’s endorsement of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara has exacerbated these longstanding tensions, contributing to a broader strategic divergence between the two nations. As the situation evolves, the implications for European strategy in North Africa will continue to unfold.