Fine words fail to camouflage East Med challenges
Geopolitical problems and surging global LNG output mean that East Med gas reserves will struggle to reach markets outside the region
Government ministers from Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority—members of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF)—met in Cairo at the end of July. The grouping was formed in January to encourage greater integration in the region. The ministers issued a statement after their meeting that ticked all the right boxes, but contained little of substance. They agreed to "promote regional energy cooperation" to "exploit the resources of the region and provide access to a sustainable regional gas market". They also pledged to "develop more infrastructure to facilitate the exploitation of future gas discoveries" and seek further involvement of the private sector in energy
Also in this section
6 February 2026
The long close relationship between key supplier Qatar and pivotal buyer Japan becomes even deeper following new landmark deal
6 February 2026
Partnerships across the LNG value chain have evolved over time, growing in both complexity and importance, according to panellists at LNG2026
6 February 2026
Nigeria's mega-refinery is still trying to solve many challenges, all while its owner talks up expansion
5 February 2026
While broadly supportive of EU efforts to tackle methane emissions, representatives of the gas industry warn it could deter supply contracting if timelines and compliance requirements are not made more pragmatic






