On Wednesday, February 7^th 2024, the Chairs and representatives of National Regulatory Authorities from the Member Countries of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF)[1] convened for the 5^th  Regulatory Authority Advisory Committee (RAAC) meeting.
 
Hosted virtually, the meeting enabled discussions on key topics such as production, infrastructure development, and sustainable practices within the natural gas industry.
 
EMGF Secretary General, Mr. Osama Mobarez, EMGF EB Chairman, Eng. Alaa Hagar, and RAAC Vice-Chairman, Dr. Andreas Poullikkas, extended their warm welcome to participants during the opening session, and highlighted the importance of maintaining collective efforts in navigating the complexities of the natural gas sector to ensure a resilient and prosperous future for the Mediterranean region.
 
SG Mobarez provided a comprehensive overview of the EMGF's commitment to fostering collaboration among East Mediterranean countries in the exploration, development, and monetization of natural gas resources. The presentation outlined key initiatives, achievements, and ongoing projects that signify the region's dedication to sustainable energy practices.
 
The meeting featured a thriving discussion focusing on the short-term outlook as well as the medium term gas prospects in the Mediterranean region. Members engaged in dynamic discussions, sharing insights and analyses on the current and anticipated short-term gas demand in the Mediterranean area. The exchange of perspectives during the discussion were integral to shaping the medium-term recommendations that will contribute to the development of a robust as well as thriving interconnected regional gas market and trade hub.
 
The Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority (CERA) proceeded with an update on an activity currently going on  regarding the progress in certain activities, focusing on projects of regional integration and shedding light on the advancements and developments in this crucial area.RAAC members were also informed of the status of another activity, coordinated by Regulatory Authority for Energy, Waste and Water (RAEWW) and dedicated to the overview of the existing regulatory framework of the gas market in the Mediterranean.
 
RAAC members also benefited from a presentation of a study on the development of an harmonized carbon abatment framework for natural gas in the East Mediterraenan.
 
Members collectively reviewed the activities timeline, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and regulatory milestones and agreed on the schedule of the upcoming meetings and workshops, setting the stage for continued dialogue and knowledge exchange among RAAC members.
The Meeting concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Andreas Poullikkas, Chairman of CERA and Vice Chairman of RAAC, who expressed gratitude to all participants and underscored the profound impact of collaborative efforts within the regulatory community.
 
"The success of today's meeting is a testament to the power of collaboration. Your dedication and expertise have not only enriched our discussions but are instrumental in shaping the regulatory landscape of the Mediterranean region. The RAAC looks forward to building on the momentum generated during this meeting, continuing to foster dialogue, share insights, and drive positive change in the regulatory environment. Together, we can create a sustainable and resilient future for the energy sector," remarked Dr. Poullikkas.
 

 
In light of the numerous important natural gas discoveries experienced in the Eastern Mediterranean region over the past ten years, the East Mediterranean Gas Forum “EMGF” was founded in September 2020 and since then it has progressively evolved into the most renowned Energy Forum in the Mediterranean region. The EMGF Member Countries are currently Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan, and Palestine; and its observers are the United States, the European Union, and the World Bank. To facilitate the participation of the respective Energy and Natural Gas Regulatory Authorities of each EMGF member to share their experience contributing to the harmonization of regulations and policies of gas trade and supply on the regional level, the Regulatory Authority Advisory Committee (“RAAC”) has been established under the umbrella of EMGF.

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