Qatar plans to stop exporting its gas to the EU: “I do not bluff, no one will accept to lose as much to trade with Europe”

Qatar does not “plan to reach carbon neutrality” – Qatar plans stop exporting its

In his letter, the Qatari Energy Minister and CEO of Qatarenergy (Qatar National Oil Company which produces oil and gas), Saad Sherida al-Kaabi, firmly criticizes qatar plans stop exporting its the European text called Corporate Sustainability due to Directive Diligence (CSDDD). Moreover, This text requires large companies operating in the EU to control their entire supply chain. In addition, in particular on respect for human rights, environment and ecological transition.

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“If additional changes are not made to the directive, Qatar and Qatarenergy will have no choice but to seriously consider alternative markets to the EU for our LNG deliveries and other products. For example, States that offer a more stable and welcoming commercial environment”warns Kaabi. He also attacks the EU climatic objectives. claiming that neither Qatar nor Qatarenergy predict to achieve carbon neutrality “in the near future “. For him, the obligation for companies to limit warming to 1.5 ° C (as requested by the Paris qatar plans stop exporting its Agreement) is, according to him, an attack on national sovereignty.

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According to the Reuters news agency, the Belgian representation has already proposed several reductions on the subject, to appease tensions in particular, by asking to repel its date of entry into force and by reducing the extent of the controls. Adjustments that Doha always deems insufficient. Note that 38 % of LNG imported in Zeebruges comes from Qatar (in 2024). A decrease in these imports could therefore have a significant economic impact for Belgium.

In the current state of the text. companies that do not respect the rules are exposed to fines that can reach 5 % of their global turnover, which Qatar categorically refuses. On the subject. the Qatari Minister had already declared to the Financial Times in December 2024: “Five percent of Qatarenergy’s turnover, it qatar plans stop exporting its is five percent of the Qatar budget. It is the money of the people. No one will accept to lose as much to trade with Europe. I don’t bluff “.

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In an annex to the letter, Qatar, which has the largest natural gas deposit in the world which it shares with Iran, suggests fully withdrawing the part of the CSDD which requires climate transition plans.