‘Ridiculous Legislation’: Qatar Slams EU Climate Laws, Calls for Review

Qatar, one of the largest producers and exporters of liquefied natural gas or LNG, has hit out at European Union laws that impose penalties in the effort to fight climate change. While mentioning that Qatar was increasing the use of renewables, the Qatari energy minister, Saad al-Kaabi said some EU laws will harm Europe and called the law “ridiculous legislation,” adding that a review was necessary.

The minister, speaking at the Doha Forum, mentioned that there was a need to have a sensible approach and there has to be ample supplies of fossil fuel as the demand for LNG will be there for a long while. The rise in demand, he said, is also because Asian countries need more energy and even the running of artificial intelligence programmes requires a lot of energy and consistently.

The minister said Qatar was a great believer in clean air and water. He added that ten percent of energy consumption comes from solar plants and this could go up to 15-16 percent in a year and more by 2030.

Gaza: ‘Unprecedented Humanitarian Tragedy’

Earlier, inaugurating the Doha Forum, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the prime minister and foreign minister of Qatar, spoke of “an unprecedented humanitarian tragedy” in Gaza and said it “will have serious repercussions that will threaten the stability of the entire region,” the events in Lebanon being an example of that.

“The humanitarian tragedy in Gaza continues with its repercussions spreading to Lebanon and Syria, making it essential to exert every possible effort to bring it to an immediate end. The success of the temporary pause achieved through the joint mediation efforts by the State of Qatar, Egypt and the United States— leading to the release of hostages and alleviating humanitarian suffering— demonstrates that diplomatic action can succeed when the necessary will is present,” he said. His government had also helped to reunite war-affected children in Ukraine with their families.

The PM spoke of the potential of the misuse of artificial intelligence, digital finance, unmanned aerial and maritime vehicles and 3D printing. He said all efforts have to be made to ensure they lead to economic development and peace and the well-being of people.