The Position of the African Sahara in the Basket of the New European Energy Strategy

Dr. Sadiqi Naima (pp. 124–135)

Abstract

The African Sahara has occupied a very important place in the priorities of the European Union. As a regional power, the EU seeks to benefit from the resources of the African Sahara, aiming for absolute and relative gains, while preventing competing forces from exploiting the wealth of Saharan Africa. This region is a vital strategic area for energy resources and alternative energy, as well as a source of technological development for modern European industrial society. The European powers have renewed and adapted their energy policies to secure and diversify energy sources in response to changes in the international system and to confront competing forces in this geopolitically significant area, which is considered a historical heritage. However, the visions for the African Sahara differ among the EU poles, particularly between German and French perspectives.

Keywords: African Sahara, European Union, Sustainable Energy Security, Energy Strategy