In a world marked by geopolitical fragmentation and regulatory polarisation, the oil and gas sector faces a dual challenge: managing conflicting legal frameworks while meeting surging global energy demand. Diverging standards, sanctions regimes and trade defence measures create overlapping obligations for companies operating across multiple jurisdictions. At the same time, energy security concerns are intensifying competition for hydrocarbons and low-carbon fuels. This panel examines how to navigate a polarised environment, with special attention to cross-border projects and activities in the Mediterranean corridor.