EU threatens to halt LNG over environmental directive

Qatar and the United States have expressed deep concern about the European Union's planned corporate sustainability regulations. In a joint letter to EU leaders, they warn that the legislation could seriously jeopardize liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies to Europe.

The letter was signed by the Qatari and US energy ministers. In their opinion, the draft directive on corporate sustainability due diligence poses a risk to energy security and to the EU's competitiveness and economic resilience.

The directive requires large companies operating within the Union to monitor and combat human rights violations and environmental damage throughout their supply chains.

The Qatari minister warned last week that Qatar would not be able to continue LNG supplies to European Union countries if the rules were not changed.

Although the European Parliament's Legal Affairs Committee has supported a watering down of the draft, Qatar says this does not sufficiently address its main concerns.

(reuters, max)