Algeria Becomes Europe’s New Energy Powerhouse: Paris and Madrid Lose Ground

Algeria is set to dominate Europe’s gas supply as a massive new trans-Mediterranean pipeline nears completion, shifting the continent’s energy balance in favor of Algiers.

The global energy landscape has undergone a dramatic shift since the Russian-Ukrainian war. With Moscow redirecting its gas exports to China, Beijing has quietly backed a new strategic vision — making Algeria the central energy pillar of Europe.

The heart of this transformation lies deep in the Sahara Desert, in the Hassi R’Mel region — the main source of Algerian gas. From there, a colossal gas pipeline project is taking shape. It stretches across several key provinces before diving under the Mediterranean Sea through Annaba and Skikda, and finally reaching Sicily, Italy.

This new “energy corridor” will soon connect the gas fields of West Africa to Europe, positioning Algiers at the core of the continent’s new energy chessboard. Meanwhile, France and Spain have lost their once-crucial strategic influence.

Algeria has already halted gas transmission via Morocco, cutting off one of Western Europe’s main routes. With fresh energy agreements signed with Rome and Beijing, Algiers is now poised to control one of Europe’s key gas arteries.

When the pipeline becomes operational in the coming months, the European Union will find itself more dependent than ever on Algerian gas. The pressing question now is: Is Europe ready to live under Algeria’s energy influence?