Algeria plays balancing act as Europe tries cut Russian gas

Italian Prime Minster Mario Draghi (L) meets Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune (R) in Algiers on April 11, 2022. Draghi announced a deal to boost gas deliveries from energy heavyweight Algeria, as he steps up efforts to reduce Rome's heavy reliance on Russian imports [File: Filippo Attili/Palazzo Chigi press office/AFP]

As the Russia-Ukraine war rages on, European Union members are facing a slew of energy security dilemmas.

Dependent on Russia for 40 percent of its gas imports, Italy is looking to reduce this reliance – and quickly – by turning to other countries while accelerating its move towards renewables.