With Energy Deals in Africa, Italy Positions Itself as Europe's Next Gas Hub

The Italian government's new energy-driven approach to Africa will help the country bolster its own energy security and position itself as Europe's next natural gas hub. But infrastructural challenges at home and above-ground risks in North Africa will remain obstacles. The Italian government has made a series of high-level, energy-centric visits to the wider Mediterranean region since Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni took office at the end of 2022. For example, Meloni visited Libya's capital Tripoli on Jan. 27-28 to discuss increased energy and migration cooperation with Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, the prime minister of Libya's internationally recognized Government of National Unity. While there, she oversaw the signing of an $8 billion natural gas deal between Italian oil and gas giant Eni and Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC), and other deals for carbon capture and solar energy projects. Previously, Meloni visited Algeria's capital Algiers on Jan. 22-23 to meet with President...