EU, Israel and Egypt sign deal to boost East Med gas exports to Europe
Israel and Egypt will aim to boost natural gas exports to Europe under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on Wednesday as the continent looks to replace Russian energy imports.
The framework deal signed with the European Union (EU) will be the first to allow “significant” exports of Israeli gas to Europe, Israel’s energy ministry said.
Under the agreement, the EU will encourage European companies to participate in Israeli and Egyptian exploration tenders, the ministry said.
Some Israeli gas is already sent by pipeline to liquefaction plants on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, from where it is re-exported as liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Officials say they expect shipments of LNG from Egypt to Europe to increase under the agreement, though they have said it would likely take a couple of years before the exports can be significantly expanded.
Egypt is also a gas producer, but its exports have been limited by rising domestic demand.
Read More: Reuters