Beyond LNG: Berlinska diplomacija crvenog tepiha signalizira veću opkladu na Alžir

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune arrived in Berlin on Thursday and was greeted with military honors at the historic Villa Borsig, located high above Lake Tegel, north of the city. The ceremony took place just days before a major milestone in bilateral relations: the arrival of the Tessala, a tanker carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Algeria's GL2Z liquefaction plant near Oran to a floating terminal off Wilhelmshaven on Germany's North Sea coast. This marked the first-ever LNG export from Algeria to Germany, facilitated by the state-owned energy firm Sonatrach. During a private meeting with a small group of guests, Tebboune reflected on the evolution of Algerian-German relations, stating that the two nations had once not been on equal footing. His comments, captured by Al Jazeera, underscored the growing strategic partnership between the two countries. The visit coincided with a broader initiative aimed at strengthening economic and political ties through a series of agreements signed during a bilateral economic forum in Berlin. These included collaborations spanning hydrocarbons, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and advanced technologies. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met with Tebboune at the Chancellery on Thursday and highlighted the significance of the agreements reached during the visit. Merz emphasized the importance of continued progress in areas such as legal frameworks, investment, and transparency. Earlier in the week, Tebboune addressed members of the Algerian community in Berlin at the Hotel Adlon, where he praised Germany as a "great friend." During his speech, he announced plans for cooperation on green hydrogen, gas, helium, and automotive manufacturing sectors. The timing of Tebboune’s visit is particularly significant amid ongoing challenges in Europe’s energy landscape. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, its share of EU pipeline gas imports has plummeted from around 40 percent in 2021 to approximately 6 percent in 2023. In response, the European Council implemented a regulation in January 2026 that bans Russian LNG and pipeline gas entirely from March 18, 2026, with transition periods for existing contracts. As a result, European nations have been actively seeking alternative energy suppliers. Algeria has emerged as a key player in this effort, contributing significantly to the EU’s energy security. Norway currently accounts for 54.4 percent of the EU’s natural gas imports in 2025, while Algeria ranks second at 18.5 percent. However, projections indicate that Algeria’s share could rise to 20 percent of EU pipeline imports in the first quarter of 2026. Merz acknowledged Algeria’s crucial role in ensuring Europe’s energy stability, noting the country’s substantial reserves of natural resources, including natural gas, oil, and rare earth elements. Rare earths have become a focal point for European energy policy, as the continent seeks to reduce its reliance on Chinese and Russian suppliers. Tebboune, standing alongside Merz during a joint press conference at the Chancellery, affirmed Algeria’s commitment to being a dependable partner in energy supply. He assured that Algerian gas deliveries would extend beyond Germany to benefit all of Europe. This assurance comes at a pivotal moment, as Qatari LNG exports face disruptions due to the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, following Iranian attacks on shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz. According to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), the United States is projected to surpass Norway as the EU’s primary gas supplier in 2026. Despite these developments, Algeria’s geographical advantage, its ability to deliver gas directly to Europe via a sub-Mediterranean pipeline, positions it as a vital ally in securing stable energy supplies. The strategic location of Algeria, combined with its growing energy partnerships, underscores its increasing influence in shaping Europe’s energy future.