Letter from Europe: Politicians must be braver
Energy’s economic, geopolitical and climate challenges require the continent’s decision-makers to step up
February marks the end of my almost four-and-a-half years as editor-in-chief of the PE Media Network and of day-to-day responsibility for Petroleum Economist content. It has been a great privilege but—given the events of the past few years—has not been without its challenges too! As I hand over to my successor, inevitably there is a gaze forward as well as back. And as I consider the future of energy here in Europe and globally, it strikes me that, far from calmer waters ahead, politicians in my home continent will likely face ever-growing tempests as we try to progress to a much lower-carbon future. And there is little evidence of adequate appetite to make the strategic, and often political
Also in this section
10 March 2026
From Venezuela to Hormuz, the US—backed by the most powerful military force ever assembled—is redrawing not only oil and gas flows but also the global balance of energy power
10 March 2026
By shutting the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has cut exports of distillate-rich Middle Eastern crude, jet fuel and diesel, and is holding the energy market hostage
10 March 2026
Eni’s director for global gas and LNG portfolio, Cristian Signoretto, discusses how demand will respond to rising LNG supply, and how the company is expanding its own gas and LNG operations through disciplined, capital-efficient investments
9 March 2026
Petroleum Economist analysis sees increases in output from Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and Kazakhstan among others before region’s murky descent






