EU Faces Pressure from US, Qatar and Greece Over Natural Gas Rules and Supply

The United States, Qatar and other major gas exporters have sent a joint letter to European Union leaders urging a relaxation of the EU's upcoming methane‑emissions regulations, warning that the rules could raise energy costs and threaten Europe’s gas security. The letter, also signed by Nigeria and Algeria, calls for a “realistic approach” to the rules and for possible adjustments that would keep gas imports flowing. EU officials note that the Commission has so far refused to amend the legislation, offering instead guidance for member states on enforcement, while Czechia and Slovakia have voiced support for a review.

In parallel, Greece is advancing a “vertical corridor” project to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to six Southeast European nations – Albania, Bosnia, Romania, Moldova, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Hungary and North Macedonia – through long‑term contracts supplied by U.S. Venture Global. The agreements, lasting 20 years from 2030, aim to diversify the region’s gas sources as Russian deliveries wind down by 2027. Greek infrastructure at Alexandroupoli and Revithoussa will handle the LNG imports, bolstering the EU’s energy mix and reducing reliance on Russian gas.