Qatar Threatens to Halt Gas Supplies to the European Union Due to Duty of Care Law
Reuters revealed an official letter sent by Qatar to the Belgian government on May 21st, in which Qatari Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi warned of the possibility of halting liquefied natural gas supplies to the European Union in response to the 'Duty of Care Consortium' law regarding forced labor and environmental damage.
The letter stated: 'If further changes are not made to the duty of care guidance for corporate sustainability, Qatar and Qatar Energy will have no choice but to seriously consider alternative markets outside the European Union for our products of liquefied natural gas and others, which provide a more stable and welcoming work environment.'
Qatar is a major supplier of gas to Europe, having provided between 12% and 14% of the continent's liquefied natural gas supplies since the start of the Russo-Ukrainian war in 2022. This threat comes amid escalating tensions over European legislation that may impact economic relations with energy-exporting countries.
