Algeria, EU vow to boost energy partnership

Algeria and the European Union (EU) on Tuesday vowed to boost their energy cooperation at the kick-off of the Algerian-EU Energy Forum in Algiers.

"Algeria is a reliable energy partner and supplier for the EU, as we are keen to work together to develop our strategic partnership," EU Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy Miguel Arias Canete said in his opening remarks at the forum.

"Europe needs Algeria's gas to fulfill its energy mix strategy which is supposed to allow the continent to reduce CO2 emissions by 40 percent by 2030," he said.

"Algeria is a key energy supplier, as it is urged to increase its production capacities to meet the growing demand, including in Europe," the EU senior official said.

This includes the field of gas where the two sides want to increase upstream investments so that Algeria strengthens its position among Europe's main suppliers, he suggested.

In terms of renewable energies, EU will support the measures taken by Algeria in terms of energy efficiency, he said, adding the EU is ready to work with Algeria to take up all these common challenges and open new chapter in the Algerian-European relations in energy.

In 2013, Algeria and the EU signed a MoU that establishes a framework that covers all aspects related to oil and gas, renewable energy and energy efficiency, the legal and regulatory framework, the progressive integration of energy markets, the development of facilities, and expertise. Endit