• European Union, Israel and Egypt have signed a tripartite natural gas export deal.
• The deal comes as the bloc seeks to diversify away from Russian energy.
• It will allow ‘significant’ exports of Israeli gas to Europe for the first time.

For the first time, the tripartite deal will allow’significant’ Israeli gas shipments to Europe.

The agreement, signed on Wednesday in Cairo at the East Mediterranean regional energy conference; will allow Israel to export “substantial” amounts of gas to Europe for the first time; according to the Israeli energy ministry.

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“What a unique opportunity,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said; during a joint press conference with Egypt’s and Israel’s energy ministers. “I am delighted to see this historic deal signed.”On Twitter, Von der Leyen stated that the accord will help Europe’s energy security.

The EU imported nearly 40% of its gas from Russia last year. Countries have been attempting to limit their reliance on Russia in order to impose sanctions; in response to the country’s escalating invasion of Ukraine.

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