Europe Strengthens Energy Ties with Algeria, Morocco

Europe sees in stronger energy ties with the Mediterranean countries a good opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. On the one hand, it could receive hydrocarbons from the MENA region. On the other hand, it could promote a stabilisation process. 

European Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy, Miguel Arias Cañete met with officials from Morocco and Algeria today, reporting significant theoretical achievements. 

“Our regions often have to face similar energy challenges. We need to work together to create common solutions. These three platforms represent a true challenge, but I am confident that with the participation and engagement of all our partners they will be a success," Arias Cañete said on Wednesday, during his meeting with Moroccan Minister for Energy, Abdelkader Amara.

The platforms serve to strengthen ties in the gas, electricity and renewables sectors. The one about gas will discuss solutions to promote production in North Africa and eastern Mediterranean countries both for domestic markets and for export to the EU. 

‘It will also debate regulatory, financing and infrastructure issues, such as new pipelines and LNG facilities in order to create a Mediterranean gas hub’ reads a note released by the European Commission.

A few hours before, Cañete met Yousef Yousfi, Minister for Energy and Mines of Algeria, agreeing on the same points. 

‘Algeria is third biggest supplier of gas to the EU, and the EU is the biggest importer of Algerian gas. However, due to a lack of new investment, gas production in the country is declining and large reserves of gas remain unexploited’ the office of Cañete wrote on Tuesday. 

The two diplomatic missions culminated with a deal signed by 24 Mayors and Representatives of Local Authorities from Algeria, Tunisia, Lebanon, Palestine, and Israel. The main focus of the deal was on energy efficiency and renewable energy sources.