MEP Tomáš Zdechovský Slams Algeria’s Gas Blackmailing EU

Member of the European Parliament Tomáš Zdechovský has denounced Algiers unilateral decision to disrupt the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline, saying the European Union should not accept Algeria’s gas blackmail.

The MEP made the comment after Algeria, which has cut off diplomatic ties with Rabat, stopped on Nov.1st supplying Spain via Morocco with natural gas through the Maghreb-Europe pipeline.

“Very concerned” by Algeria disruptive move of gas supplies, said on Monday Mr. Tomáš Zdechovský in his Twitter account. The Algerian regime made the decision in a context of rising energy prices, added the member of Group of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats).

The move is “not targeting only Morocco but aims to manipulate gas prices”, he stressed, affirming that the European block should never give in to Algeria’s blackmail and use of gas as a weapon.

Moroccan authorities, which anticipated such a hostile move, said the Algerian decision will have “insignificant impact” on the Kingdom’s supply of electricity as they have prepared for it by taking necessary arrangements.
They also said that several options and alternatives are being assessed to ensure the country a continuous energy supply in medium and long-term.