Qatar pushes EU to amend Methane Regulation in joint open letter
- Qatar joined the US, Nigeria and Algeria in an open letter asking EU leaders to adopt targeted amendments to the EU Methane Regulation.
- Signatories say critical technical elements of the EUMR remain undefined ahead of provisions affecting importers entering into force in January 2027.
- They requested a stop‑the‑clock mechanism, grandfathering for new contracts signed while adjustments are developed, and removal of penalties during the transitional period.
- The letter warned of financial and legal risks for long-term oil and gas contracts valued in the tens of billions of euros.
Signatories
The open letter was signed by Saad Sherida Al‑Kaabi (Minister of State for Energy Affairs, State of Qatar), Chris Wright (U.S. Secretary of Energy), Ekperikpe Ekpo (Nigerian Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Gas) and Mohamed Arkab (Algerian Minister of Hydrocarbons).
Core concern
The signatories said critical technical elements of the EU Methane Regulation remain missing, undefined or unclear, which they view as increasingly constraining energy exporters’ ability to plan, contract and commit future oil and gas supplies to EU markets.
Requested measures
They urged the EU to adopt targeted amendments and proposed specific measures: a stop‑the‑clock mechanism to provide time for developing methodologies and compliance pathways; grandfathering of new contracts signed while legislative adjustments are developed and implemented; and removal of penalties for non‑compliance for the duration of the transitional period.
Risks and engagement
The letter highlighted financial and legal risks tied to multi‑year contracts valued in the tens of billions of euros and called for the Commission and Member States to work with industry stakeholders on clarifications and changes. The State of Qatar expressed readiness to engage constructively with the European Commission and EU Member States on the EUMR.
Source: QatarEnergy