State Minister for Hydrocarbons Mohamed Arkab urged European companies to expand their footprint in Algeria’s market through partnerships and investments in the energy sector, highlighting the nation’s welcoming investment climate.
This appeal came during a two-day working visit by European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica, who was hosted on Monday by the hydrocarbons minister at his ministry headquarters.
The session, attended by ministry officials and the EU ambassador to Algeria, saw Arkab emphasize that “Algeria has cultivated a supportive investment environment, backed by legal and regulatory reforms that ensure transparency and streamline processes, paving the way for enduring strategic alliances.” A ministry release detailed how he showcased structural changes in the hydrocarbons domain, noting that “the updated legal framework delivers a more appealing and adaptable setting, opening doors for collaboration with global players.” Arkab reaffirmed Algeria’s stature as a dependable energy provider, especially in natural gas, and its steadfast commitment to partner obligations.
Both sides reviewed the status and outlook of bilateral ties with the European Union, along with steps to fortify them under the strategic dialogue framework, particularly in hydrocarbons. Discussions included “enhancing expertise exchanges and holding routine technical sessions among specialists to deepen mutual understanding on shared concerns.”
Sustaining Investment Momentum
The talks also assessed advances in energy cooperation, focusing on Europe’s natural gas supplies and field development to boost production capacity. Conversations extended to broadening ties into cutting-edge technologies, such as those curbing carbon emissions, carbon capture and storage initiatives, and joint initiatives for environmental protection and energy transition.
Arkab stressed that hydrocarbons collaboration remains a cornerstone of the Algeria-EU partnership, “owing to its pivotal role in fostering economic stability and securing energy supplies.” He called for ongoing investment drives in exploration, production, and infrastructure growth—like refining and petrochemicals.
For her part, the EU commissioner praised the robust strategic dialogue in energy between Algeria and the EU, applauding the strength of bilateral relations and “the rising interest from European firms in the Algerian market.” She hailed Algeria’s key contributions as a “trustworthy partner” in fortifying Europe’s energy security, while expressing the EU’s eagerness to widen cooperation into mutual-interest areas.
Šuica outlined the core elements of the “Mediterranean Pact,” rolled out by the European Commission in October 2025. The senior official also held discussions with the Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, Mourad Adjal.