Qatar has issued a veiled threat to halt its liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to Europe if the European Union proceeds with proposed regulations linking trade to human rights and environmental standards, according to reports in German media.
The warning was delivered in a letter from Qatari Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi, who also serves as CEO of the state-owned QatarEnergy, to the Belgian government in May 2025, the Welt am Sonntag newspaper reported. In the letter, al-Kaabi expressed concern over a proposed EU directive that would require large companies operating in Europe to ensure respect for human rights and environmental protections throughout their supply chains.
"Simply put, if no further changes are made to the directive, the State of Qatar and QatarEnergy will have no choice but to seriously consider alternative markets outside the European Union for their liquefied natural gas and other products, markets that offer a more stable and welcoming business environment," al-Kaabi wrote.
While a spokesperson for Belgium's EU delegation declined to comment, a European Commission spokesperson confirmed receipt of the letter on May 13. The official said negotiations between EU lawmakers and member states were still ongoing regarding amendments to the so-called Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive.
Earlier this year, pressure had mounted in Brussels to water down the directive, including delaying implementation until 2028 and limiting the scope of companies' obligations to vet their supply chains. Firms that fail to comply may face fines of up to 5% of their annual profits. Despite these proposed revisions, Doha insists they do not go far enough.
Qatar, the world's third-largest exporter of LNG after the US and Australia, said it was especially troubled by a requirement for companies to formulate a "climate transition plan." The Qatari government has reportedly suggested removing this clause altogether.
