Why Somaliland matters for Europe’s energy strategy
- Daniel Herszberg
- Mar 29
- 2 min read
Original Author: Daniel Herszberg
Original Publication: Euractiv
Date: March 29, 2026
Curated Excerpt (Fair Use)
As the ongoing war with Iran increasingly threatens global energy markets and vital shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz, this opinion piece argues that Europe must urgently reassess its refusal to recognize Somaliland. The author contends that relying solely on energy diversification is insufficient for European resilience; rather, Europe requires a reliable geographic foothold to secure the 12% of global trade passing through the Bab al-Mandab strait. The deep-water port of Berbera in Somaliland offers this exact strategic advantage, yet European governments remain paralyzed by outdated deference to Somalia's nominal territorial claims.
The article highlights the stark contrast between the stability of Somaliland and the volatility of Somalia, arguing that Hargeisa easily meets the legal criteria for statehood under the 1933 Montevideo Convention. The author notes that regional and global players are already moving to capitalize on this reality. The UAE has heavily invested in Berbera's port, Ethiopia has signed memorandums for Red Sea access, and Israel’s recent formal recognition has reportedly opened discussions for a military facility to monitor Houthi activity. Furthermore, a bill supporting Somaliland recognition is currently pending in the U.S. Congress, aiming to attract the transactional interests of the Trump administration.
Ultimately, the piece warns that if European leaders—such as Starmer, Macron, and Merz—fail to act proactively, they risk being priced out of another geopolitical crisis. By recognizing Somaliland, Europe could unlock critical alternative infrastructure and protect its consumers from piracy, Houthi attacks, and the broader weaponization of Red Sea geography. The author concludes that if Europe waits, it will inevitably find itself bargaining for access with whichever power gets there first.
About the Author
Daniel Herszberg is a doctoral researcher at the Faculty of Law, University of Oxford, and a doctoral associate of the Oxford China Centre. He is also noted as being one of approximately 400 people to have visited every UN-recognized country.
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