Quirno warns companies involved in Malvinas operations: choose between the islands and Vaca Muerta

Companies linked to hydrocarbon operations in the Malvinas will have to choose between doing business there and developing activities in Argentina, Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno said. “They will have to decide,” he told Radio Mitre.

Quirno said the restriction would not apply only to oil companies directly involved in projects. It would also cover firms providing financial, logistics, insurance and energy-related services. Companies connected to the Sea Lion project could therefore be barred from operating in Vaca Muerta.

Asked whether businesses currently working in Vaca Muerta would have to choose between remaining there and joining the Malvinas project, Quirno replied: “Correct.” He said companies would have to decide whether to operate in the islands, which Argentina considers a disputed area with uncertain legality, or come to Argentina, where he said the rules are clear and opportunities exist across several sectors.

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They will have to decide.

Quirno also confirmed that the executive regulation for Law 26.659, announced by President Javier Milei, had been signed and published in the Official Gazette. The measure seeks to speed up sanctions and clarify how they are applied. Investments covered by the Large Investment Incentive Regime, or RIGI, must submit an affidavit stating that they do not violate and will not violate the law.

The minister recalled that Navitas and Rockhopper have already faced Argentine sanctions over activities in the archipelago. After a government review, Argentina plans to send 180 deterrence notices to companies from 29 countries, including Israeli firms linked to oil projects. Quirno rejected the idea that the measures would damage relations between Argentina and Israel.

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Correct.