Most Algerians see EU as an important partner, according to new opinion poll

More than seven out of ten Algerians feel their country has good relations with the European Union, and 54% think that the EU has a positive influence on the development of Algeria. A third of Algerians know of programmes financed by the EU, and 75% of those who knew that the EU provided financial support to Algeria believed that it had been effective. These are just some of the findings of the latest annual opinion poll in Algeria, just published by the EU Neighbours South project.

The survey – part of a wave of opinion polls carried out in seven southern Mediterranean partner countries – was conducted in Algeria from August-September 2018, with 1,000 people consulted in face-to-face interviews. Respondents were asked about their general perceptions of the EU and the values with which it is associated, about EU relations with their country, and the impact of EU financial support. The surveys also look at preferred sources of information, how people feel about their personal situation and the situation in their country, and their expectations for the future.

In general, Algerians were in line in their perceptions of the EU with the regional average for the three Maghreb countries (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia).

Asked to describe relations with the EU, 71% said they were good, compared to an average of 74% in the Maghreb (65% Mashrek). Fifty-four per cent of those asked felt the EU had a positive influence on their country’s development (60% Maghreb average), while 75% of those who  know that the EU provides financial support to Algeria believe that it has been effective (59% Maghreb).

A majority (59%) of Algerians see the EU as an important partner, with which their country shares sufficient common values to cooperate (59%).

In more general terms, 55% of those asked had a positive image of the EU (the same as the regional average). As in other countries of the region, the values most frequently associated with the EU were human rights, democracy and individual freedom, while those least associated with the EU were the absence of corruption and honesty.

Algerians feel EU support has contributed the most to trade (43%) and economic development (26%) in their country, and are keen for the EU to play an even greater role in those areas.

In general, Algerians think that the European Union’s image in their national media is positive. On television, fifty-two per cent of them believe that the image is very to fairly positive, while only six per cent believe it to be very to fairly negative. Television is followed by websites (48% positive, 31% neutral, 6% negative) and printed press (43% positive, 35% neutral, 7% negative).

Algerians are generally satisfied with their lives (74%, in line with the regional average), and are generally optimistic for the next 12 months, with 56% expecting their life in general to be better (against 9% who expect it to be worse) and 53% expecting an improved financial situation of their household (against 9% who expect it to be worse).

The EU Neighbours South regional overview report and factsheets are available here.

To find out more about EU – Algeria cooperation and partnership, go here.