East Mediterranean Gas Forum
Abbreviation |
|
---|---|
Formation | 22 September 2020 9 March 2021 (charter entering into force) | (formal chapter signing)
Type | International organization |
Headquarters | Cairo, Egypt |
Membership |
Observers |
The East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF or EGF), also known as the EastMed Gas Forum or simply EastMed,[1] is an international organization formed by Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan, and Palestine. Informally established in 2019,[2] the organization's formal charter was signed on September 2020,[3] which an additional framework agreement signed in January 16,[4] and the charter legally entering into force by March 9, 2021.[2][5] Its headquarters are located in Cairo, Egypt.[4]
History[]
Originally, the bloc was an informal forum of Egypt, Cyprus, Israel, and Greece. Major companies, such as Total S.A., Eni and Novatek and Exxon, have signed exploration and production agreements concerning gas with those governments.[6][7]
On September 22, 2020, the member countries signed an formal charter to create a new intergovernmental organization.[3] Subsequently, France asked to join the Forum as a member while the European Union and UAE wish to join as permanent observers.[8][9] On 9 March 2021, France's membership to the EMGF was approved,[10] while the United Arab Emirate's membership was vetoed in the EMGF's Ministerial conference which was held at Cairo, Egypt.[11] The organization also announced on 9 March that its charter had officially entered into effect.[2]
Members & observers[]
Current members:
Permanent Observer:
Status Unclear:
United Arab Emirates - Observership reportedly vetoed by Palestine in March 2021[12] despite earlier reports that it had already become an observer in December 2020.[13]
References[]
- ^ Matalucci, Sergio (8 October 2020). "EastMed Gas Forum fuels energy diplomacy in troubled region". Deutsche Welle. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
- ^ a b c "East Mediterranean Gas Forum's statute comes into effect as ministers meet in Cairo". Ahram Online. 9 March 2021. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
- ^ a b "East Mediterranean states formally establish Egypt-based gas forum". Reuters. 22 September 2020. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
- ^ a b Anselmo, Fabrizio (27 January 2020). "Verso un'OPEC del gas mediterraneo?" (in Italian). Istituto per gli Studi di Politica Internazionale. Retrieved 2 November 2020.
- ^ "Charter of E. Mediterranean Gas Forum enters into force". XinhuaNet. 10 March 2021. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
- ^ "Congress Quietly Adopts Exxon Mobil-Backed Law Promoting New Gas Pipeline, Arms to Cyprus". The Intercept. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
- ^ "EastMed gas: Paving the way for a new geopolitical era?". Deutsche Welle. Retrieved 2 July 2019.
- ^ "France asks to join Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum". Reuters. 16 January 2020.
- ^ "UAE joins East Mediterranean Gas Forum | Kathimerini". www.ekathimerini.com. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
- ^ "Η Γαλλία νέο μέλος του East Med Gas Forum)" [France becomes member of the East Med Gas Forum] (in Greek). Capital.gr. 9 March 2021. Retrieved 10 March 2021.
- ^ "Palestine vetoes UAE membership in EastMed Gas Forum". anews. Retrieved 10 March 2021.
- ^ "Palestinian Authority vetoes UAE bid to join Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum: reports". The New Arab. 10 March 2021. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
- ^ "Egypt says UAE joins East Mediterranean gas forum as an observer". Reuters. 16 December 2020. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
See also[]
- Eastern Mediterranean
- Natural gas
- Intergovernmental commodity organizations
- Organisations based in Cairo
- Foreign relations of the State of Palestine
- Foreign relations of Egypt
- Foreign relations of Greece
- Foreign relations of Israel
- Foreign relations of Italy
- Foreign relations of Jordan
- Organizations established in 2020
- 2020 establishments in Africa
- 2020 establishments in Asia
- 2020 establishments in Europe
- 2020 establishments in Israel
- 2020 establishments in Italy