Algeria, Portugal Sign MoU to Enhance Bilateral Energy Regulation Cooperation

✍️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada

ARH, CREG, and Portugal’s ERSE Establish Institutional Framework for Technical Exchange and Joint Energy Sector Initiatives under MEDREG

Algiers, Algeria | May 20th, 2025 — A new step was taken in Lisbon as Algeria and Portugal reinforced their cooperation in the energy sector through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Algerian Authority for Hydrocarbon Regulation (ARH), the Electricity and Gas Regulatory Commission (CREG) of Algeria, and Portugal’s Energy Services Regulatory Authority (ERSE). The agreement was signed under the oversight of Rachid Nedil and Wacila Batata Atimen, chairs of the Algerian regulatory bodies, alongside Pedro Verdelho, president of ERSE’s board of directors.

According to a communiqué from Algeria’s Ministry of Energy, the memorandum is designed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the regulation of the energy sector by establishing a joint institutional framework among the signatory parties. This initiative aims to promote the exchange of expertise, regulatory knowledge, and operational best practices between Algeria and Portugal.

The agreement is part of the broader efforts carried out under the umbrella of the Mediterranean Energy Regulators Association (MEDREG), in which Algeria plays a foundational and ongoing role. Algeria is not only a founding member of MEDREG but has also held the vice-presidency and presidency during the association’s early stages. Currently, Algeria holds the position of vice-president for a second term, reflecting its consistent and long-term commitment to regional cooperation in energy regulation for over twenty years.

The signing ceremony was attended by Algeria’s ambassador to Portugal, Saïd Moussa, whose presence reaffirmed the depth of cooperation between the two countries. This bilateral dynamic had been reiterated during the official visit of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to Portugal in 2023.

The memorandum marks a critical milestone in enhancing institutional relations between the regulatory authorities of both nations. It also commits the parties to establish a structured framework for technical and regulatory exchanges. This includes continuous training programs, study visits, knowledge-sharing workshops, and joint cooperation projects to address the specific challenges confronting the energy sector in both countries.