In a question addressed to the Portuguese Minister of Environment and Climate Action, João Pedro Matos Fernandes, these eleven deputies question the impact of Algeria’s unilateral closure of the gas pipeline (GME) on the gas supply of several European countries including Portugal.
These deputies recall that on 31 October, Algeria unilaterally decided not to renew the contract for the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline which passes through Morocco to reach Spain and then supplies European countries, including Portugal, at the risk of not honouring its delivery commitments to European partners, at this very time marked by the rise in gas prices and, moreover, on the eve of the arrival of winter.
They believe that the non-renewal of the GME contract could affect the various countries that receive gas from Algeria, such as Portugal, noting that “regardless of the existing supply contracts and storage capacities, there may be an impact on the Portuguese economy.”
The Portuguese MEPs point out that although this issue has a European political dimension, each State, as is the case of Portugal, must protect its national interests, adding that it is a question of anticipating problems rather than reacting when it is too late and when price pressures are felt.
In this context, the Portuguese deputies ask their minister what energy policy measures will be put in place to safeguard the national interest and avoid supply difficulties or price increases.
They also question the measures that will be taken to decarbonise the country’s economy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, for example by using hydrogen.
Algeria’s announcement of its decision not to renew the GME agreement is stirring up concerns in Europe in the context of rising gas prices and the approach of winter. This unilateral decision is considered by many observers and European politicians as blackmail by Algiers towards Europe.
2024-09-01 08:26:02