Algeria and Spain Strengthen Their Gas Alliance Around the MedGaz Pipeline

José Manuel Albares, Spain's Foreign Minister, announced from Algiers a reinforcement of the "strategic partnership" between Spain and Algeria in the energy sector. Algeria is, according to him, Spain's "top gas supplier for three years." The two-day visit included a meeting with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, attended by Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf and Energy Minister Mohamed Arkab. Albares described Algeria as a "stable, reliable and consistent gas supplier."

MedGaz Pipeline and Infrastructure Prospects

Spain and Algeria are connected by the MedGaz pipeline, which is currently running at full capacity. Its capacity could be increased by "one billion cubic meters per year," according to US expert Geoff Porter. Against a backdrop of continued tensions on European gas markets — Iran's strike on Ras Laffan recently sent European gas prices 35% higher — supply security remains a top priority for European Union member states. Albares noted that both countries had "discussed the possibility of enhanced cooperation, including at the infrastructure and joint analysis level" as well as "new investments." In this context of reshuffling European gas flows, Hungary announced a gradual reduction in its gas supplies to Ukraine, highlighting the fragility of current continental supply balances.

Albares stated that this "gas dialogue goes well beyond simple supply." Spanish exports to Algeria have seen a "spectacular increase" over the past two years, tripling in 2025 year-on-year. He also addressed the broader "geopolitical context," noting that "Spain and Algeria share common values and principles: the peaceful resolution of disputes between states and the rejection of war."

Reactivation of the 2002 Friendship Treaty and Diplomatic Rapprochement

The Algerian presidency indicated that President Tebboune informed Albares of "his decision to reactivate the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighborliness and Cooperation" linking the two countries since October 2002. The treaty had been suspended in 2022 when Madrid backed a Moroccan autonomy plan for the disputed Western Sahara territory, where Algiers supports the Polisario Front independence movement. Bilateral trade relations subsequently cooled sharply before a gradual thaw from 2025.

Albares's visit came a day after Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni traveled to Algiers and announced increased cooperation on natural gas aimed at "increasing the supply of Algerian gas to Italy." This closer alignment would involve strengthening the partnership between Italy's Eni and Algeria's Sonatrach, "working on new frontiers such as shale gas and offshore exploration." Italy and Spain both visited Algiers within days of each other to consolidate their respective gas agreements with Algeria.