In a shifting global geopolitical and energy landscape, the relationship between Algeria and Italy stands out as a model of balanced cooperation between the northern and southern shores of the Mediterranean. The state visit of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to Rome in July 2025 marked a pivotal moment, reaffirming the “exceptional nature” of this partnership and the shared ambition to deepen cooperation across multiple dimensions — economic, energy, political, and multilateral.
1. A Mediterranean Alliance Built on Mutual Trust
Italy has described its relationship with Algeria as “exceptional,” portraying it as a model for international relations grounded in respect, sovereignty, and strategic complementarity. The two nations have shown clear alignment on key regional and global issues:
• A joint commitment to the UN-led process for a political resolution of the Western Sahara conflict,
• A call for an immediate cessation of Israeli aggression in Gaza, and unrestricted humanitarian access,
• Converging diplomacy on Libya, the Sahel, migration, and global governance reforms.
2. Dynamic Trade and Expanding Investment
📈 Key figures:
• €14 billion in bilateral trade in 2024,
• +6.7% growth in trade during Q1 2025,
• €8.5 billion in Italian investments in Algeria,
• Italy has become Algeria’s top gas customer, with over €3 billion in energy imports in 2024 alone.
While energy remains central, both countries are broadening their cooperation into strategic sectors such as:
• Automotive industry (e.g. Fiat plant in Oran),
• Agriculture and food processing,
• Machinery and industrial equipment,
• Logistics, services, and SME support.
This signals a structural shift from a traditional export-import model to a logic of joint development and value creation.
3. Energy: A Pillar of Cooperation and a Gateway to Transition
Algeria has proven to be a reliable energy supplier for Europe, especially amid the Ukraine crisis. Yet the Algeria–Italy energy partnership is evolving to include ambitious plans for green transition and renewable energy.
🔋 Flagship Projects:
• South H2 Corridor: A 3,300 km green hydrogen corridor linking Algeria to Italy, expected to deliver 4 million tonnes annually by 2030.
• Medlink: A cross-Mediterranean electricity interconnection project.
• Joint ventures in hydrogen, solar, and green electricity — with Sonatrach, Sonelgaz, ENI and Snam involved.
These projects position Algeria as a key player in Europe’s energy transition, while fostering local industrial capacity and innovation.
4. The Mattei Plan: Algeria at the Heart of Italy’s New Africa Strategy
Algeria plays a pivotal role in Italy’s Mattei Plan, a strategic framework launched in 2024 to reshape relations with Africa. Backed by a €3 billion budget over four years, the plan shifts away from aid-based logic towards equitable partnerships.
In Algeria, the Mattei Plan prioritizes:
• Food sovereignty through investment in sustainable agriculture,
• Technology transfer and professional training,
• Regional value chains and industrial development,
• Infrastructure and local job creation.
This reflects a clear break from paternalistic models toward a sovereign, co-developmental approach, consistent with African calls for fairer international relations.
5. Rebalancing Ties with the European Union
Italy supports Algeria’s call to revise the 2005 Association Agreement with the European Union, aiming to better reflect the interests of both parties. The two countries also advocate for a New Mediterranean Pact, which would serve as a platform for collective engagement on:
• Migration and human mobility,
• Climate change and environmental security,
• Energy and food security,
• Inclusive economic growth.
In this context, Italy emerges as a trusted European partner, adopting a pragmatic and sovereign-respecting approach — unlike other European actors often perceived as condescending or rigid.
6. Institutionalized Cooperation with Long-Term Vision
During the July 2025 bilateral summit in Rome, 13 agreements were signed covering:
• Education and higher learning,
• Scientific research and innovation,
• Culture and heritage preservation,
• Defense and security,
• Mobility and people-to-people exchanges.
The next intergovernmental summit is scheduled for 2027 in Algiers, signaling both countries’ intention to anchor their cooperation in a structured and durable institutional framework.
✅ Conclusion
The Algeria–Italy partnership stands today as a strategic axis in the Mediterranean and Africa, built on mutual respect, shared interests, and forward-looking vision. Far from transactional diplomacy, it lays the groundwork for:
• Energy security,
• Green transition,
• Industrial co-development,
• A common diplomatic stance on global issues.
In a world marked by instability and fragmentation, this alliance offers a compelling model for a new kind of Euro-African cooperation — one based on equality, interdependence, and long-term strategic planning.
By Belgacem Merbah
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