Exclusive-QatarEnergy, Exxon executives warn of Europe exit over climate law

Core Viewpoint - Executives from ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy have indicated that they may cease operations in the European Union if the EU does not amend its sustainability law, which could impose fines of 5% of global revenue [1][2][3] Group 1: Company Responses - Exxon CEO Darren Woods expressed that the EU's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive could lead to "disastrous consequences" if implemented in its current form, as it requires companies to manage human rights and environmental risks across their supply chains [2][5] - QatarEnergy's CEO Saad al-Kaabi reiterated the possibility of halting LNG supplies to Europe if the EU does not revise or revoke the sustainability law, emphasizing that this is a serious threat and not a bluff [3][4] - Both companies highlighted the technical challenges of complying with the EU's requirements, with Woods stating that the legislation's demands are technically unfeasible [5][6] Group 2: Market Context - ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy are significant suppliers of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe, with Exxon expected to contribute approximately 50% of EU imports from American producers in 2024, while Qatar has supplied between 12% and 14% of the bloc's LNG since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in 2022 [7]