Italy and Algeria are deepening their political and energy ties as Prime Minister Mario Draghi plans a visit to Algiers next week. The move comes amid Europe’s broader effort to diversify energy sources away from Russia and secure reliable gas supplies from North Africa.
Earlier this year, Italy’s foreign minister visited Algeria, accompanied by a leading energy executive. The trip underscored a growing collaboration centered on natural gas, with ongoing efforts to expand bilateral energy trade and ensure stable transit routes for the Italian market. These high-level engagements signal a sustained focus on securing Algeria as a strategic partner in Europe’s energy mix. (Source: Regional energy briefings)
Italy relies on Algerian gas for a significant portion of its needs, and both governments expect this dependency to remain substantial in the near term. Preliminary projections suggest a potential rise in deliveries toward the 30 billion cubic meters mark in the coming months, building on a 2021 baseline around 21 billion cubic meters. The trajectory reflects shared political resolve to diversify supply and enhance energy security. (Source: National energy reports)
Draghi and Algerian president Abdelmadjid Tebboune discussed the alignment of priorities in a recent phone call, reinforcing a strategic bilateral partnership. They indicated that ongoing top-level engagements would translate into more frequent high-level visits and intensified coordination on energy, trade, and regional stability. (Source: Official government communiques)
The Italian government confirmed the prime minister’s upcoming trip, with reports indicating a meeting with Tebboune. There is also expectation in Rome that the Algerian president may visit Italy in the foreseeable future, highlighting reciprocal interests and mutual benefits. (Source: Italian press briefings)
Both Algerian authorities and Sonatrach have characterized the relationship as a dependable source of energy, while also signaling potential price considerations as the energy market evolves. Sonatrach’s leadership emphasized encouraging new gas supplies but did not dismiss the possibility of revisions to pricing structures as market conditions change. Prior shipments have already included deliveries to Spain, illustrating Algeria’s role in regional energy dynamics. (Source: APS updates)
Meanwhile, regional diplomatic tensions shape energy diplomacy in the broader Mediterranean. Spain’s government approved a plan on Western Sahara, prompting Algeria to summon its ambassador in Madrid in a formal protest and outlining the sensitivity of energy and political alignments in the area. The situation underscores how energy partnerships intersect with regional politics and the broader stability of North Africa and Europe. (Source: Foreign affairs summaries)
In summary, Italy and Algeria are expanding a practical, results-oriented partnership grounded in energy security and mutual economic interests. As Europe seeks reliable gas sources, North Africa remains a pivotal region for gas supply diversity, and both sides appear committed to strengthening practical cooperation, high-level dialogue, and strategic coordination for the foreseeable future. (Source: Regional energy and policy reviews)
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