Qatar and U.S. Hit Back at EU Corporate Sustainability Rules

Qatar and the United States have jointly appealed to European Union leaders, expressing alarm over new corporate sustainability regulations potentially complicating liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. The revelation, detailed in a QatarEnergy statement, underscores the high stakes involved for both Qatar and the EU.

Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi underscored the gravity of the situation, indicating that Qatar might be forced to cease LNG supplies to Europe if the EU's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive remains unchanged. The directive, he argued, could destabilize the availability and cost-effectiveness of vital energy resources in Europe.

The EU mandate requires large companies operating within its borders to identify and rectify human rights and environmental discrepancies in their supply chains or risk financial penalties. Recent amendments to the law, aimed at appeasing companies, seem insufficient according to Kaabi, leaving key issues unaddressed.