Gas Exporting Countries Forum expresses concern at potential imposition of unilateral restrictive measures, regulations with extraterritorial effect

The Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) has expressed deep concern regarding the potential imposition of unilateral restrictive measures and regulations with extraterritorial effect.These include the EU Methane Emission Regulation (EU MER), the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (EU CSDDD) and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism Regulation (EU CBAM), which impose obligations that are in many cases inconsistent with the principles and requirements of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Paris Agreement and the World Trade Organisation.GECF in a statement issued at a press conference on the sidelines of the 27th GECF Ministerial Meeting welcomed the establishment of the GECF Ad Hoc Working Group on the EU MER, EU CSDDD and EU CBAM.It reaffirmed the importance of multilateralism and co-operation to achieve the SDGs and address climate change in an orderly, just and inclusive manner, leaving no one behind.Commended member countries for their efforts in reducing methane emissions and routine gas flaring within the framework of their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in light of their national circumstances and capabilities.GECF supported the deployment of advanced technologies, especially carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS).The forum stressed the critical importance of safeguarding national and cross-border gas infrastructure from natural disasters, technological incidents, terrorist attacks and cyber threats to ensure uninterrupted supply and market stability.It recognised the growing importance of digital technologies in enhancing operational efficiency, transparency, and safety across the natural gas value chain, and encouraged member countries to invest in data analytics, AI-driven tools, and smart infrastructure to optimise resource management.Commended the GECF Secretariat for its dedication to expanding membership, fostering constructive dialogue with key stakeholders, delivering high-quality studies and publications, and enhancing the GECF global visibility.Commended the progress of the GECF Gas Research Institute and encouraged further collaboration in research, innovation, and technology transfer.GECF said it is committed to fostering the next generation of energy professionals through training programmes, academic partnerships, and knowledge exchange initiatives.The forum expressed support for GECF’s active participation in COP30 and reaffirmed the GECF role in advocating for natural gas as a key contributor to achieving climate goals and sustainable development.It highlighted the significant role of natural gas in advancing access to clean cooking and underscored in this regard the importance of enhancing co-operation in this area and in developing related infrastructure.And affirmed the importance of inclusive policies that promote greater participation in the energy sector and supported programmes that empower people, notably women and youth, through education, employment, and leadership opportunities in the gas industry.GECF welcomed the proposal to convene the 8th GECF Summit of Heads of State and Government and the 28th GECF Ministerial Meeting in 2026 in Moscow.The forum expressed its profound appreciation and gratitude to Mohamed Hamel, the outgoing Secretary-General of the GECF, for his dedicated service, exemplary leadership, and substantial contributions to advancing the GECF objectives during his tenure, and commended his efforts to strengthen co-operation among member countries, expand the Forum’s membership, promote the role of natural gas globally, and enhance the international visibility of the GECF.The forum also congratulated Dr Philip Mshelbila as the newly appointed Secretary General of the GECF and expressed support for his successful tenure.