EU and Algeria Strengthen Energy Ties Amid Global Challenges
The European Union and Algeria recently held their sixth high-level political dialogue on energy in Algiers, reinforcing their strategic partnership in the sector. This meeting was co-chaired by Mohamed Arkab, Algeria’s Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Mourad Adjal, Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, and Dan Jørgensen, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing.
The dialogue is part of a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2013, aiming to enhance energy relations while balancing both parties’ interests. Prior to the meeting, bilateral discussions focused on strengthening cooperation amidst global energy challenges and a rapidly evolving energy transition.
The session served as a review of the ongoing collaboration and a reaffirmation of the commitment to improve it further. This was facilitated through sectoral working groups and expert groups on natural gas, electricity, renewable energy, and energy efficiency, which presented their progress reports.
Both sides acknowledged the advancements made in the partnership, which enhanced mutual understanding on key issues such as natural gas, renewable hydrogen, and greenhouse gas reduction. Algeria’s role as a dependable natural gas supplier and the EU’s contribution of clean energy technologies were highlighted. Discussions also covered the potential growth of Algeria’s hydrocarbon sector, particularly natural gas, emphasizing the need for increased European investment.
Algeria’s significant natural and human resources, along with its energy infrastructure, position it as a key player in low-carbon technology development. The growth of hydrogen and renewable energy sectors will strengthen its status as a major global energy supplier.
Since the last ministerial meeting in October 2023, three expert group sessions and seminars on green hydrogen and methane emissions reduction have been conducted. These initiatives align with the TaqatHy+ technical cooperation program, co-financed by the EU and Germany, launched in April 2025.
Algeria’s strategic importance to the EU’s natural gas supply has been underscored in the current global landscape. Both parties aim to bolster cooperation in gas and enhance the European energy system’s resilience.
Efforts to reduce fugitive methane emissions were discussed, with an agreement to align on the EU Methane Regulation to facilitate Algerian gas access to the EU market. This collaboration also supports climate change mitigation and potentially increases methane availability for local markets or exports.
The development of renewable and green hydrogen strategies was a focal point, including the SoutH2 Corridor project connecting Algeria to Europe. The EU’s support for energy transition and hydrogen development was also addressed.
Challenges such as regulatory frameworks, competitive hydrogen markets, investment mobilization, and capacity building were acknowledged as vital for developing hydrogen and its derivatives.
Both parties recognized the importance of energy infrastructure development, particularly electricity interconnections between Algeria and the EU, and agreed on the need for collaborative regulatory and investment efforts.
The Energy Partnership’s activities will continue under the TaqatHy+ program, supported by EU and German funding, and implemented by GIZ. The program focuses on renewable energy projects, energy system integration, and reducing methane emissions.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress made in their bilateral energy cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing their partnership through the High-Level Energy Dialogue.
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Original Story at energy.ec.europa.eu