When Russia launched its attack on Ukraine, European countries \u2014 largely dependent on Russian gas \u2014 started looking to reduce this reliance by turning mainly to Algeria.<\/p>\n
For instance, Italy \u2014 dependent on Russia for 40 per cent of its gas imports \u2014 has\u00a0negotiated<\/a>\u00a0a long-term energy agreement with Algeria’s state-owned Sonatrach.<\/p>\n Under the agreement, Algeria is to gradually increase gas flows to Italy via the Transmed pipeline, including an extra 9 billion cubic meters (Bcm) of gas this year \u2014 and supplemented by additional spot purchases.<\/p>\n Algeria is also a main gas supplier for Spain and France. Its gas reservoir has also allowed the North African country to strengthen its strategic and political role in the region.<\/p>\n