🇩🇿AlgeriaNorth Africa
Algeria resumes LNG exports to the Netherlands after two years
via Algérie3603 min read
Algeria dispatched a rare cargo of liquefied natural gas LNG to the Netherlands in May, marking the first such delivery to the Northern European market in two years. This strategic move aligns with Algeria's goal to expand its market share as a major energy partner, capitalizing on ongoing supply disruptions from the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz. The 68,000-ton shipment to the Netherlands was part of Algeria's total LNG exports of 1.04 million tons in May, a significant increase from 0.70 million tons in April. While Europe remains a primary destination for Algerian gas, the Netherlands is not a regular customer, typically importing only one to two Algerian cargoes annually and relying heavily on US imports. The last Algerian LNG delivery to the Netherlands was in May 2024, with a volume of 76,000 tons. From 2013 to May 2026, Dutch imports of Algerian gas totaled 1.1 million tons. In May 2026, the Netherlands imported 1.4 million tons of LNG overall, with the US supplying the largest share, accounting for 15 cargoes. France led the list of Algerian LNG clients in May 2026 with 234,000 tons, followed by Turkey 203,000 tons, Spain 200,000 tons, Italy 192,000 tons, Croatia 76,000 tons, the Netherlands 68,000 tons, and the United Kingdom 61,000 tons. Spain's return to the Algerian LNG market with 200,000 tons is notable after a near-total suspension since November 2025. This performance underscores Algeria's logistical flexibility and competitiveness in ensuring Europe's energy
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Four men have been detained in Constantine, Algeria, and charged with intentionally setting forest fires. The public prosecutor of Sidi M'hamed released a statement detailing three separate cases related to a wave of criminal fires that affected several provinces last weekend. The charges include acts of terrorism and intentional destruction of state forests, offenses punishable by the death penalty. In the first case, two individuals, "B.S.A" and "F.A," were accused of intentionally burning brush near the Sanaoubar neighborhood in Constantine, with video evidence showing them starting the fire. The second case involves "L.F," who was filmed setting fire to shrubs and trees along the Soummam road in Constantine. The third case concerns "B.S," who was caught burning two piles of copper cables against a highway wall, destroying two hectares of state forest. Following investigations by the Constantine wilaya security criminal brigade and the National Gendarmerie's research and investigation service, the four suspects were presented to an investigating magistrate and placed in provisional detention. They are accused of being part of an organized criminal network that committed terrorist and subversive acts endangering lives, security, and property, under articles 87 bis and 87 bis 1 of the penal code, as well as intentional burning of state forests under article 138 of the law on forests and forest resources. These arrests occur amid a national context of heightened fire activity
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has signed a presidential decree granting a pardon to approximately 5,000 inmates who obtained diplomas during the 2025-2026 academic year. This pardon applies to prisoners who earned their Brevet d'Enseignement Moyen BEM, Baccalaureate, or completed a professional or artisanal training program, as announced by the Presidency of the Republic. This decision emphasizes intellectual effort as a path to reintegration into society. The measure is symbolic, recognizing and rewarding educational efforts made during incarceration, and aligns with a broader vision of rehabilitation where education plays a central role in preparing individuals for civilian life. This is not the first time the Presidency has used this mechanism; in March 2026, two decrees granted presidential pardons to over 5,600 individuals in common law cases, with specific eligibility conditions and exclusions. Presidential pardons have become a regularly activated mechanism under President Tebboune, used in various contexts, including a clemency measure in January 2026 for Algerians residing abroad in irregular situations, allowing them to regularize their status and return home. The case of French journalist Christophe Gleizes, whose judicial process was closed by the Supreme Court in June 2026, also highlighted the head of state's discretionary prerogatives regarding pardons. The decree for diploma-holding inmates is part of a consistent political approach where clemency is exercise
Must ReadFrench President Emmanuel Macron has publicly corrected his ambassador to Algeria, Stéphane Romatet, regarding statements about visa numbers for Algerians. Romatet had suggested a return to pre-crisis levels of 250,000 visas annually, which sparked a political and media outcry, particularly from the right-wing and National Rally parties in France, who denounced it as a "capitulation" to Algiers. Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon stated that Macron clarified France has no numerical visa targets and is not lenient. She emphasized that France is engaged in significant work with Algeria but without specific visa quotas. Bregeon also recalled that Macron, upon taking office in 2017, decided to reduce visa numbers from 500,000 annually to align with France's needs and geopolitical realities. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated that visa numbers were never discussed in his talks with Algeria. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot responded to critics in the National Assembly, asserting that France's policy is based solely on national interest, not quotas, and noted a 20% drop in visas granted to Algerians in 2025 due to diplomatic tensions.