East Mediterranean Gas Forum
The EMGF is an intergovernmental organization established in 2019 to create a regional gas market, optimize resource development, and ensure sustainable supply to Europe. Headquartered in Cairo, it brings together producers, consumers, and transit countries.
2019
Established
8
Full Members
3
Observers
Cairo
Headquarters
Mission & Objectives
Core Objectives
- Create a regional gas market
- Optimize resource development
- Coordinate infrastructure planning
- Ensure sustainable supply to Europe
Key Principles
- Respect for sovereign rights
- International law compliance
- Market-based pricing
- Environmental responsibility
Members & Observers
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Full Cyprus · Founding member
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Full Egypt · Host country (HQ in Cairo)
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Full Greece · Founding member
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Full Israel · Founding member
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Full Italy · Founding member
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Full Jordan · Founding member
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Full Palestine · Founding member
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Full France · Joined 2021
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Observer European Union · Permanent observer
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Observer United States · Permanent observer
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Observer World Bank · Permanent observer
Significance for Cyprus
Benefits
- • Multilateral framework for export negotiations
- • Access to Egyptian LNG infrastructure coordination
- • Platform for resolving cross-border issues
- • EU and US political support
- • Joint infrastructure planning with Israel
Key Initiatives
- • Regional gas trading hub concept
- • Infrastructure connectivity study
- • Harmonized regulatory framework
- • Joint marketing to European buyers
- • Decarbonization roadmap
EMGF Timeline
Jan 2019 EMGF founded in Cairo by 7 countries
Sep 2020 EMGF becomes international organization
Mar 2021 France joins as 8th member
2022 EU energy crisis boosts EMGF importance
2023 Focus on hydrogen and decarbonization
EU Energy Security Role
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the EU dramatically increased engagement with EMGF members. Eastern Mediterranean gas is now seen as a strategic alternative to Russian supplies.
EU-EMGF Cooperation
- • MoU signed on natural gas supply (2022)
- • Infrastructure interconnection studies funded
- • Regular ministerial-level dialogue
- • Support for hydrogen production potential