Italy and Algeria are deepening cooperation on regional stability, energy, and security ahead of their July summit, with Algeria now Italy’s top gas supplier
When in Algiers. Italy and Algeria are consolidating a key partnership for regional stability, focusing on the Mediterranean, Libya, and de-escalation in the Middle East following the recent ceasefire between Israel and Iran.
- On 29–30 June, Italy’s Foreign Ministry Secretary General, Ambassador Riccardo Guariglia, co-chaired the fourth session of the bilateral Strategic Dialogue in Algiers with his Algerian counterpart, Ambassador Lounès Magramane.
- Ambassador Guariglia was also received by Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, underscoring the importance both countries place on this diplomatic channel.
On the agenda. The two diplomats exchanged views on major regional and global issues, reaffirming the importance of dialogue and multilateralism.
- There was a shared focus on Libya, which remains unstable and at risk of renewed violence. Both sides expressed full support for UN-led mediation.
- A joint operational document was signed to boost bilateral ties ahead of the Italy–Algeria Intergovernmental Summit scheduled to take place in Rome on 23 July.
Gas linking. In 2024, Algeria became Italy’s top gas supplier, covering around 34% of national demand, equivalent to 21.1 billion cubic metres.
- This marked a slight drop from 2023, when Algeria supplied roughly 41%.
- Still, it remains a key outcome of Italy’s strategy to de-risk its reliance on Russian gas following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
- Algeria is now Italy’s most important energy partner, surpassing Russia, whose gas exports to Italy have drastically declined in recent years.
Behind the scenes. On the sidelines, Guariglia raised the case of Alex Bonucchi, an Italian citizen who died in Rouiba in 2021.
- He urged Algerian authorities to provide long-awaited clarifications and respond positively to the family’s repeated requests for the return of Bonucchi’s organs.
What we’re watching. Algeria remains a strategic partner for Italy on energy, migration, and security.
- The Rome summit in two weeks could mark a qualitative leap in intergovernmental cooperation.
- Algiers maintains a sensitive position—often critical of the West’s worldview—making these high-level contacts crucial both bilaterally and geopolitically.
