Qatar has warned that it may suspend gas exports to the European Union if member states enforce the newly passed Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, which targets forced labour and environmental violations in supply chains. Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi made the remarks in an interview with a newspaper, emphasising the law’s potential economic repercussions for Qatar.
The directive, approved this year, mandates large companies operating in the EU to scrutinise their supply chains for forced labour practices and environmental violations. Non-compliance could lead to penalties, including fines of up to 5% of global turnover.
“If the case is that I lose 5% of my generated revenue by going to Europe, I will not go to Europe. I’m not bluffing,” Kaabi said. He highlighted that such a financial hit would affect Qatar’s state revenue, describing it as “the people’s money.”
Kaabi, who also serves as CEO of QatarEnergy, urged the EU to review the directive, warning that strict enforcement could undermine Qatar’s willingness to supply gas to European markets.
Despite potential tensions with the EU, Kaabi expressed confidence in the U.S. market, noting no concerns about US President-elect Donald Trump’s intention to lift caps on liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.
As one of the world’s largest LNG exporters, Qatar is actively seeking to expand its influence in Europe and Asia amid growing competition from the United States. The Gulf state plans to increase its LNG liquefaction capacity from 77 million tons annually to 142 million tons by 2027.
