Angry about climate regulations: Qatar is said to have put pressure on the EU

The EU Supply Chain Act has caused some discontent. As has now emerged, the Gulf state of Qatar has apparently also taken issue with its climate regulations—and has therefore pulled all the political triggers.

According to a media report, Qatar has pushed for changes to the EU supply chain law and threatened to end its liquefied natural gas (LNG) deliveries if it fails to do so. The EU must make further changes to the supply chain directive, otherwise "the State of Qatar and QatarEnergy will have to seriously consider alternative markets outside the EU for our LNG and other products that offer a more stable and business-friendly business environment," Welt am Sonntag quoted from a letter from the emirate.

According to the report, the letter was sent to several EU governments in May. The newspaper obtained the letter addressed to the Belgian government. The EU Commission also confirmed receipt of a corresponding letter, but the German government pointed out the confidentiality of correspondence with other states, "Welt am Sonntag" reports.

Economy 12.05.25

Headwind for Merz: EU insists on supply chain law

The supply chain law is intended to oblige companies to assess the negative impacts of their activities on human rights and the environment, including in third countries. According to the report, Qatar took issue with climate protection requirements that "go beyond the goals and objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement." The emirate is one of the EU's most important LNG suppliers, alongside the USA and Russia.

The Supply Chain Directive was finally adopted in May 2024, and the rules were originally supposed to take effect in June 2026. However, Germany and other countries advocated for a postponement. Meanwhile, the EU member states have also agreed to significantly relax the regulations.