Czech Republic seeks to double Algerian gas imports

The Czech Republic is aiming to increase its annual gas imports from Algeria from 200 million to 400 million cubic meters. This objective follows high-level discussions in Algiers between a Czech delegation, led by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, and Algerian leadership, including President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

Prague seeks to diversify its energy sources to enhance security for Czech households and increase its negotiating leverage within the market. The current supply relies on an agreement between the Czech energy group ČEZ and Algeria’s state-owned Sonatrach, with gas transiting through Tunisia and Italy to reach Central Europe.

The Czech Republic is part of a broader European trend of seeking increased Algerian energy supplies. Germany has already secured increased deliveries through an agreement between Sonatrach and VNG, while Spain and Italy have engaged in discussions regarding higher volumes via the Medgaz pipeline.

Beyond energy, the Czech delegation is exploring cooperation in defense, health, transport, and agriculture. This includes potential military sales of L-39 Skyfox subsonic training and attack aircraft from Aero Vodochody to modernize the Algerian Air Force.