Spain–Algeria diplomacy: Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez visited Algiers for the first time in four years, aiming to deepen ties after the Western Sahara dispute; both sides flagged energy cooperation, investment by Spanish firms, and migration talks. Energy & EU rules: The EU signaled it will suspend methane penalties for oil and gas firms in 2027–2030, citing supply-security risks amid Strait of Hormuz disruptions—an issue Algeria has been watching closely as a regional gas player. Wildfire response: Algeria’s civil protection says 127 of 146 wildfires were brought under control in 24 hours, with 19 still active and teams working alongside military, forestry services, municipalities and volunteers. Finance & inflation watch: African central banks are bracing for a fresh inflation shock as Hormuz-linked shipping disruptions push up oil and fertilizer prices, keeping rate cuts on hold for now. Health/pharma deal: Recce Pharmaceuticals advanced a diabetic foot infection program and is pushing a proposed 10-year MENA licensing push that explicitly includes Algeria and Morocco. Trade/markets: Coverage also flags tariff uncertainty ahead of a July 31 U.S. deadline, with potential knock-on effects for African exporters.