EU and Algeria conclude PRIMA negotiations

On 11 March 2026, the European Union and the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, successfully concluded negotiations on Algeria's participation for 2025-2027 in PRIMA- the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area.

The agreement was initialled (on-line) by Mr Abderrahmane Yousfate, Director of Cooperation and University Exchanges at the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Ms Nienke Buisman, Head of Unit for International Cooperation at DG Research and Innovation of the European Commission.

The conclusion of these negotiations further strengthens the scientific cooperation between Algeria, the EU, and the 19 other countries participating in PRIMA. It also demonstrates the shared priority both parties place on sustainable development, and prosperity through science and innovation. In addition, this renewed commitment to PRIMA underscores the strategic importance of the initiative in addressing global challenges, particularly in water and food security.

Next steps

The European Commission and Algeria are committed to continue working closely to finalise the next procedural steps required for the agreement to enter into force.

Once approved, this agreement will allow Algerian entities (such as universities, higher education institutions, research centres, foundations, NGOs and businesses) to fully participate in PRIMA projects in 2025-2027.

Alongside the funding provided by the European Commission to PRIMA, Algeria is expected to contribute EUR 6 million to the Partnership between 2025 and 2027.

Background

Algeria has been involved in PRIMA since its launch in 2018 and has participated in 99 out of 269 PRIMA funded projects supporting sustainable agriculture, integrated water management, food security and the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems nexus (WEFE nexus), with a total funding of EUR 12.4 million, out of which EUR 5.1 million by the EU and EUR 7.3 million by Algeria. Algerian organisations coordinate two projects.

About PRIMA

The PRIMA Partnership, supported under Horizon Europe, aims to build research and innovation capacities to develop innovative solutions to address water scarcity, improve agricultural productivity, and promote food systems resilience across the Mediterranean region.

More information

International cooperation with Algeria