Letter from Europe: Politicians must be braver
Energy’s economic, geopolitical and climate challenges require the continent’s decision-makers to step up
February marks the end of my almost four-and-a-half years as editor-in-chief of the PE Media Network and of day-to-day responsibility for Petroleum Economist content. It has been a great privilege but—given the events of the past few years—has not been without its challenges too! As I hand over to my successor, inevitably there is a gaze forward as well as back. And as I consider the future of energy here in Europe and globally, it strikes me that, far from calmer waters ahead, politicians in my home continent will likely face ever-growing tempests as we try to progress to a much lower-carbon future. And there is little evidence of adequate appetite to make the strategic, and often political
Also in this section
24 March 2026
It is an unusual story of out with the new and in with the old, as America First Refining shows the US going back to trusted energy security developments
23 March 2026
A complex and sometimes contradictory web of factors that include unpredictable oil prices, the globalisation of LNG markets, the expansion of Middle Eastern sovereign capital and the growth of datacentre demand will shape the energy landscape beyond 2026
23 March 2026
The Strait of Hormuz crisis highlights how key waterways can become global chokepoints
20 March 2026
Attacks on key oil and LNG assets across the Gulf mean a prolonged supply disruption, with damage to Qatar’s export capacity undermining confidence in the global gas system






