Spain

In the spring of 2026, relations between Spain and Algeria took a major turn after about three years of acute diplomatic tensions. Far from being a simple return to normalcy, this resumption of dialogue occurs in a deeply degraded international context marked by a rearrangement of economic and security parameters. The open war involving Iran, the United States of America, and Israel has disrupted global energy flows and placed the Western Mediterranean at the heart of strategic issues.

Against this backdrop, Madrid and Algiers now appear connected by a pragmatic interdependence. Spain relies on Algerian gas to secure its supply while Algeria aims to solidify its European outlets and attract technological investments. This convergence of interests has helped turn the page on a bilateral crisis of exceptional magnitude.

Historically, Spanish-Algerian relations have a unique historical depth. From 1505 to 1792, Spain controlled several key points in Oran, including Mers el-Kebir and Oran itself. This presence extended cultural and human exchanges between the two shores of the Mediterranean despite the reconquest by Algeria in 1792. The migration of thousands of Spanish immigrants to western Algeria in the 19th century further deepened these long-term human relationships, impacting the pied-noir community in France.

In more recent times, the balance of relations between Madrid, Algiers, and Rabat exploded in March 2022 when the Spanish government supported Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, triggering immediate reactions from Algeria. Economic consequences were significant, with Spanish exports to Algeria dropping from 2.9 billion euros in 2019 to only 332 million euros in 2023. However, the gas trade between the two countries remained unaffected as Algeria continued its gas deliveries to Spain through the Medgaz pipeline to maintain its credibility as a reliable energy supplier.

The bilateral thaw began in early 2026 under the decisive push from the United States. A meeting in Madrid in February resulted in a 40-page roadmap on Western Sahara, leading to Algeria’s acceptance of the framework, paving the way for normalization in the region. The signing of the Spanish-Algerian friendship treaty in March 2026 officially marked this major turning point.

Furthermore, the global energy crisis following the Iran bombings played a crucial role in the reconciliation between Spain and Algeria. The Strait of Hormuz blockade paralyzed nearly 17% of global liquefied natural gas exports, making Algeria an indispensable partner for Spain, as it supplied 42.5% of Spain’s gas consumption.

In addition to energy, security cooperation remains vital in the Madrid-Algiers partnership. Algeria is a crucial partner for Spain in combating Sahelian terrorism, and migration remains a concerning issue. While cooperation has increased, challenges remain, particularly concerning the fragile normalization and energy security vulnerabilities.Overall, the Madrid-Algiers axis embodies a form of geopolitical realism in the contemporary world, less based on political affinities than vital imperatives. This relationship could become a pillar of energy and strategic security in the Western Mediterranean, provided it withstands ongoing tensions.