Europe Turns to Africa's Energy Resources Amid Strained Ties with US and Russia

Europe's strained relationships with Russia and uncertainty in its partnership with the US have led to a shift towards Africa's oil, gas, and uranium reserves as a potential energy lifeline. This comes ahead of winter, when demand for heating rises, making supply disruptions a major economic risk.

Before the war in Ukraine, Russia accounted for about 45% of the European Union's gas imports, but its share had fallen to around 13% by the end of 2025. The EU aims to fully phase out Russian gas imports by 2027 under this framework.

The decline of Russian pipeline deliveries has increased Europe's reliance on US liquefied natural gas (LNG), which became a key replacement source. However, the energy partnership between Europe and the US is facing pressure from trade disputes and tariff disagreements.

In response, European governments have expanded their diversification efforts beyond Russia and the US, placing greater attention on Africa's oil, gas, and uranium reserves. North Africa has become a key part of this strategy due to its geographical proximity and existing pipeline infrastructure.