Algeria-EU: Brussels approves EUR 45 mln in financial aid of which EUR 15 million to support sustainable development in the fisheries and agriculture sector The European Commission approved two financial aid programmes for Algeria during EU-Algeria Association Council meeting in Brussels. The first programme, with a budget of EUR 15 million, aims to diversify the Algerian economy and will support sustainable development in the fisheries and agriculture sector. The second, which will enjoy EUR 30 million in funding, will instead go towards implementing the EU-Algeria Association Agreement, with the aim of strengthening good governance and public administration. EU Neighbourhood Policy Commissioner Stefan Fule said that 'over the past few years, our bilateral relations have increased. In particular, I think that it is important to support a strengthening of the reform process in Algeria, especially through the extension of fundamental freedoms.' In his eyes, 'the two cooperation programmes adopted by the EU Commission show that the EU intends to continue to be a reliable partner, and that it will continue to share with Algeria its instruments and experience in transition to a stable democracy, an inclusive and sustainable economy and a State which meets the aspirations of its population.' The EU-Algeria Association Council meeting in Brussels provided an opportunity to discuss the talks on an initial joint action plan within the framework of neighbourhood policies.