Europe in a corner and why Africa matters more than ever
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Europe in a corner and why Africa matters more than ever
Europe’s fall out with Donald Trump could have positive consequences for Africa.
When European countries reduced their reliance on Russia’s Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in 2022 they turned to their trusted NATO ally the USA to keep the gas flowing.
That decision might come back to bite them.
It might also play in the favour of several gas rich North African countries waiting in the wings.
USA largest suppliers of LNG to Europe
The USA overtook Russia as Europe’s largest source of LNG in 2024 (source: Council of the European Union).
Germany, Greece and Finland sourced more than 80% of their LNG imports from the USA in 2025, and fourteen European countries now import American LNG directly, including Italy, which receives more than 35% of their supply from American LNG carriers (source: Council of the European Union).
Last year the EU and USA agreed on a huge energy partnership and a planned USD750-billion in USA energy sales to Europe by 2028, tying European demand closely to USA suppliers.
North Africa the solution?
To be blunt, Europe has painted themselves into a corner and has no leverage in negotiations with the USA unless they take the risk of losing the USA’s LNG supply amid a cold winter in Europe.
EU countries urgently need to diversity their gas supply and North Africa is increasingly being seen as the solution.
Algeria has supplied Italy and Spain with gas for a long time. Egypt and Nigeria are already established exporters while Libya and Morocco have huge potential.
Italy will be actively pursuing energy cooperation with North Africa in 2026, and discussions are already underway, while the UK are holding high level meetings in Libya next week.
WhyAfrica will follow the story closely
WhyAfrica will follow this story closely. WhyAfrica was in Rome, Italy for an extended period last year, and we’re heading that way again in July this year.
Look out for an announcement about the annual WhyAfrica Road Trip in November, which could possibly include a North African country.
Image: Gas supply has become a strategic weapon in new geopolitical battles. Image credit: Wikimedia Commons.
Europe in a corner and why Africa matters more than ever