Denver – Although Morocco has been the focus of Algeria’s closure of the Maghreb-Europe pipeline, geopolitical experts are warning that the move will cause damage beyond the Maghreb.
Aymeric Chauprade, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP), described Algeria’s decision as a “bad blow” to Spain and the rest of Europe ahead of the upcoming winter. In addition to being an escalation in Algeria’s unilateral conflict with Morocco, the decision also affects gas prices for other countries in the region.
The MEP went on to describe Algeria’s actions as a “headlong rush,” arguing that the event has demonstrated Algeria’s unreliability as a long-term energy partner for Europe. Chauprade concluded by stating that the EU should instead work to consolidate ties with Morocco in the wake of the termination of the Maghreb-Europe pipeline.
Other European politicians have criticized the Algerian regime for ending the 25-year natural gas agreement, accusing Algiers of “gas blackmail” against Rabat.
Europe is currently in the midst of a natural gas shortage, according to data from the World Bank. The costs of adapting to Algeria’s decision will potentially impact countries across the continent ahead of winter, especially amid fears that some of Europe’s other major suppliers might also fail to deliver.
Morocco maintains the Algerian decision will have minimal effect on the country’s electrical grid. Rabat has announced it will implement alternate plans to compensate for the difference in natural gas supply without Algeria.
Morocco recently announced a tender for new natural gas production and storage facility construction in a bid to become a more sustainable regional hub for energy production and storage.
