MADRID – After meeting the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, with the Algerian President, Abdelmajid Tebune, Algeria has opened the door to increase gas supplies to Spain.
The meeting was part of Michel’s visit to the North African country in an effort by the European Union to overcome the overt crisis between Spain and Algeria. This crisis started when the government of Pedro Sánchez supported the Moroccan plan for Western Sahara.
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“No threat from Algeria”
The chairman of the board assured that during the meeting there was no threat from Algeria regarding the supply of gas to Spain. “To be very clear, I have addressed the difficulties and there is no threat from Algeria. Direct or indirect! On the contrary, Algeria presents itself as a loyal partner to support the EU in these difficult times,” Michel said. In addition to Algeria, his visit also took him to Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The main focus of the tour was the campaign to diversify the supply of hydrocarbons to Europe, in which Spain plays a vital role due to its privileged geostrategic location.
“Possibility to increase the supply of gas from Algeria to Spain”
“Algeria has already decided to increase the supply to Italy. And, furthermore, there is the possibility to increase the supply of gas to Spain. We are discussing the figures with them,” said the chairman. He also said that the option of a second Algerian gas pipeline is on the table. Gas can be brought to Italy through this pipeline. In addition, the idea of improving the electrical connections with Europe was discussed.
Diverting the gas
As for the negotiations to improve cooperation with the other countries he has visited, Michel discussed with Qatar the possibility of increasing the supply of gas to Europe. This could be done by redirecting part of the supply going to the Asian market.
In Saudi Arabia, the discussion was about investments in green hydrogen, while in the UAE it was about how to increase European participation in sustainable energy projects.
