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FY2019 Annual Report · EOG Resources
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DIVERSIFYING  
DIVERSIFYING  
OUR ASSET BASE
OUR ASSET BASE

Annual Report and Accounts 
Annual Report and Accounts 
for the year ending 31 July 2019
for the year ending 2019

Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc is an 
AIM listed exploration and production 
company focused on very high impact 
exploration in Atlantic Ireland and 
Morocco, supported by revenue from 
oil production in onshore UK and 
seeking diversification into appraisal 
and development activities.

Operations
The momentum behind the Company 
has continued with the completion of a 
major piece of exploration work at our 
flagship Inishkea gas project.

Read more about our Operations 
on pages 8 to 13

12-month extension  
for (‘FEL 2/13’)
The Irish Government has 
approved the Company’s 
application for a 12-month 
extension to the First Phase 
of Frontier Exploration 
Licence 2/13.

Read more about the extension 
on page 9

HIGHLIGHTS

WELCOME

Operational Highlights

Offshore Ireland
 ■ LO 16/20, which holds Inishkea, Europa’s flagship  
gas prospect, converted to 15-year exploration  
licence FEL 4/19 

 ■ 1.5 trillion cubic feet (‘tcf’) gross mean un-risked 
prospective gas resources and 1 in 3 chance  
of success assigned to Inishkea

 ■ Progressing regulatory consent for site surveys  
over Inishkea, Kiely East and Edgeworth as part  
of drill site preparations

 ■ Continuing farm-out discussions with respect to  

Frontier Exploration Licence (‘FEL’) 4/19, FEL 1/17 and  
FEL 3/13, FEL 4/19 now expected to be prioritised

 ■ Secured a 12-month extension to the first phase  

of FEL 2/13 to 4 July 2020

UK
 ■ Average of 91 barrels of oil equivalent per day (‘boepd’) 

(2018: 94 boepd) recovered from three UK onshore fields 

 ■ Workover of the West Firsby 6 well utilising a  

drain hole jetting technique – the well is currently  
producing 7 boepd net to Europa having previously 
produced nothing 

 ■ Wressle planning appeal scheduled for 5 November 2019 
– subject to a positive outcome, development would 
more than double Europa’s net production to around  
240 boepd

 ■ Sold interest in PEDL143 to UK Oil & Gas PLC

Contents

Introduction 
Highlights/ Contents  

Strategic Report
Chairman's Statement 
Morocco Feature 
Our Portfolio 
Our Strategy 
Operations 
Risks and Uncertainties 

Governance
Chairman’s Introduction to Governance 
Audit Committee Report 
Remuneration Committee Report 
Nominations Committee Report 
Board of Directors 
Directors’ Report 
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 
Report of the Independent Auditor 

Financial Statements
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 
Company Statement of Financial Position 
Company Statement of Changes in Equity 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 
Company Statement of Cash Flows 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Financial Highlights

Advisers
Directors and Advisers 

 ■ 6% increase in Group revenue to £1.7m (2018: £1.6m)

 ■ Zero exploration write-off (2018: £1.3m)

 ■ Narrowing of pre-tax loss to £0.7m (2018: loss £2.3m) 

 ■ Post-tax loss of £0.7m (2018: loss £2.6m)

 ■ 16% reduction in administrative expenses to £811,000 

(2018: £967,000) 

 ■ Cash used in operating activities £0.66m  

(2018: cash used £0.48m)

 ■ Net cash balance as at 31 July 2019 £2.9m  

(31 July 2018: £1.8m)

Post Reporting Date Events

 ■ Award of Inezgane Offshore licence on Atlantic coast  

of Morocco

 ■ Irish Government announced intent to phase out future 

licensing for oil exploration, but not gas exploration; later 
confirmed that all existing exploration licences for both 
oil and gas remain valid

IFC
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IBC

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Strategic ReportEuropa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

“I am also confident that adding a new venture 
in the appraisal/ development part of the 
business will diversify the asset portfolio.”

New ventures
Our portfolio currently comprises 
two main business areas: 
 ■ Very high impact exploration 

offshore Atlantic margin in Ireland 
and (as recently announced) 
Morocco, and 

 ■ Oil development and production  

onshore UK

It is a priority for the Board to add a third 
area in the appraisal/development part of the 
business cycle. Following a strategy review 
in October 2018 a dedicated Board Strategy 
Committee was set up, meeting monthly 
to track progress and review new venture 
opportunities against a continuously evolving 
business environment. We are seeking projects 
in different stages of the business cycle in 
new basins, in countries with low political and 
regulatory risk. Our approach is to review  
many candidates and progress only those 
which meet strict suitability criteria. Our target  
is to have identified and likely added this third 
area within the next period. 

Ireland – Inishkea
Inishkea is our flagship prospect in Ireland. 
This is ‘infrastructure-led’ exploration next to 
the ~1tcf Corrib gas field in the Slyne basin 
and is unaffected by well results in the South 
Porcupine basin.

We reported gross unrisked prospective 
resources of 1.5tcf and an estimated geological 
chance of success of 1 in 3. LO 16/20 was 
converted to a 15-year Frontier Exploration 
Licence FEL 4/19 effective 1 August 2019. We 
have submitted a site survey application for  
a drilling location. The process began on  
31 January and we hope to obtain regulatory 
approval during Q4 2019. As a consequence 
of the time taken by the regulatory authorities, 
site survey operations will be in 2020 subject 
to regulatory approval. We believe that there 
is a compelling technical and commercial case 
for gas exploration in the vicinity of the Corrib 
gas infrastructure and there are positive signs 
for a farmout.

Ireland – Porcupine 
Though the Iolar exploration well on the 
western flank of the South Porcupine was 
unsuccessful, we believe that the geological 
fundamentals of the undrilled eastern flank 
are different and better. New technical work 
on FEL 1/17 and FEL 3/13 has enhanced 
our appreciation and understanding of the 
Edgeworth, Ervine, Egerton prospect complex 
and we will be presenting this to the industry at 
the Atlantic Ireland conference in October 2019. 
We have secured a 12-month extension for FEL 
2/13 and await a similar extension for FEL 3/13. 
We have a site survey application in process 
for a location on the Edgeworth prospect in 
FEL 1/17. We hope to obtain regulatory approval 
during Q4 2019. As a consequence of the time 
taken, any site survey operations will be in 
2020 and subject to regulatory approval.

Ireland – general 
Two headwinds have adversely affected the  
oil and gas industry in Ireland:

 ■ The Climate Emergency Measures  

Bill. Though the Bill did not proceed,  
it threatened substantial investments  
in Atlantic Ireland and was a significant 
concern

 ■ The time taken to obtain regulatory approvals 
for licence renewals and conversions, and 
for operational activities such as site surveys, 
has been extended substantially

These factors have slowed the pace of industry 
activity and the farmout market and it is against 
this backdrop that our work continues with 
operations and farmouts. 

The previously flagged farmout discussions 
continue, but given the time elapsed and the 
changing local market conditions the Board 
now considers it more likely that the farmin for 
the Inishkea licence FEL 4/19 will be concluded 
first rather than three licences simultaneously 
as originally envisaged.

Read more about our new Strategy Committee 
on pages 6 to 7 

2

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019Morocco 
Post the reporting date, we announced 
the award of the Inezgane licence offshore 
Morocco. This licence is in an under-explored 
basin with the key elements of a working 
hydrocarbon system in the Lower Cretaceous. 
Morocco has an active oil and gas industry 
and a supportive Government, with a desire to 
grow the sector. Offshore, ENI and Genel are 
exploring just to the south of our licence. Shell, 
Repsol, Sound and SDX Energy are amongst 
the companies active onshore. Morocco 
has good fiscal terms. Entry costs, political, 
regulatory and security risks are all low. 

During the initial two-year phase of the licence, 
Europa will reprocess 1,300km2 of 3D seismic 
data. This continues a workflow process that 
we thoroughly understand having reprocessed 
3,500km2 in three seismic surveys offshore 
Ireland with very positive results. The forward 
plan is to reprocess, interpret, build prospect  
inventory and farmout to drill.

Our decision to enter Morocco was predicated 
on using the skills which our technical team 
have developed in working up prospects in 
areas covered with modern 3D seismic in a 
prospective offshore setting and presenting 
these to the industry in order to attract capital 
investment from larger industry players. We 
looked for a country where the entry costs 
were low, 3D was available at low cost, and 
the prospectivity, and consequential industry 
interest, was high. We are delighted to have 
secured a large and prospective block, in an 
area which is of keen interest to the industry,  
as the presence of major oil and gas companies 
in adjacent acreage demonstrates. Given the 
sometimes difficult operating environment in 
other jurisdictions, it is a pleasure for us to be 
operating in an area where the Government  
and the regulators are keen to work with 
industry in making progress for the country.

Operations and Development

The principal activity of the Group is investment in oil and gas exploration, development and 
production. The Group’s assets and activities are currently located in Ireland, Morocco and the 
United Kingdom. The Board regards the Atlantic margin as the core area where Europa has 
built a portfolio of potentially company-making exploration projects. The Board is considering 
other investments in the Atlantic seaboard, north Africa and north west Europe.

UK – Wressle 
Our focus is on getting the Wressle oil 
discovery into production. The Wressle oil 
development Planning Inquiry takes place 
in November 2019 and the news that North 
Lincolnshire Council have withdrawn from 
the inquiry is positive. The operator Egdon is 
working hard to present a strong case to the 
planning inspector and we are more hopeful 
than ever that we will have the well, which  
was drilled in 2014, producing oil in 2020. 

Gross oil production on Wressle startup is 
forecast to be 500 bopd and Europa’s 30% 
share will more than double our current 
production, providing an important part  
of our financial resilience. 

UK – Production 
We are trying to maximise our existing 
production from fields that we operate.  
At West Firsby a workover of well WF6 was 
successful and achieved oil production from a 
reservoir interval which has never previously 
produced. We gained invaluable insights into 
the practicalities of deploying drain-hole jetting 
technology and this will enable us to exploit 
other opportunities in our portfolio.

Conclusions 
This has been a challenging year for the  
Company in Ireland where there have been 
delays beyond our control in both farmout  
and operational activities. On the positive side 
our further studies on Inishkea confirm it to be 
a potential company maker which fits well with 
the existing gas producing infrastructure and 
importantly with Ireland’s short to medium-term 
energy and environmental requirements. I am 
optimistic that the Wressle development in 
the UK will finally be completed and brought 
on stream within the next period. I am also 
confident that adding a new venture in the 
appraisal/development part of the business  
will diversify the asset portfolio and provide 
greater protection for the Company from 
extraneous delays and unforeseen events. 

I would like on behalf of the Board to thank  
the management, employees and consultants 
for their work and commitment throughout  
the year.

Finally, may I thank our shareholders for  
their support and confidence in the Company 
going forward.

Simon Oddie
Chairman

9 October 2019

3

Strategic ReportEuropa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019MOROCCO FEATURE

A NEW VENTURE IN MOROCCO

Q&A with CEO Hugh Mackay

Q: Why Morocco?
A:  The geological fundamentals are good: 

reservoir rocks, world class source rocks 
and traps are all present in offshore 
Morocco. The Atlantic coast of Morocco 
is under explored and the potential is 
there for companies who think differently 
to make company-making discoveries. 
We are inspired by the recent success 
in other Atlantic margin countries like 
Guyana, Senegal and Mauritania which like 
Morocco were similarly underexplored and 
overlooked until very recent discoveries 
have resulted in new and very significant 
petroleum provinces. 

  When assessing new country entry the 
above ground risks (political, regulatory, 
security) are equally if not more important 
than the below ground risks (geological, 
engineering, operational). The above 
ground risks in Morocco are low, the fiscal 
terms are amongst the best in the world 
and the government actively wants an oil 
and gas industry to grow and develop.

Q: What are the next steps?
A:  We signed the Petroleum Agreement and 
Association Contract with ONHYM on  
17 September. The licence is in the process 
of gazettal with the Ministry of Energy 
and Ministry of Finance. This process will 
complete during Q4 2019 and the eight-
year licence will be given its official start 
date. We have already started technical 
work, ONHYM have transferred well and 
seismic data to us and we have begun  
the evaluation process. 

km

0

100

Atlantic Ocean 

Madeira Islands

Spain 

Rabat 
Casablanca 

The first phase of the licence is for 
two years and during that time we will 
merge and reprocess around 1,300km2 
of 3D seismic data, build the prospect 
inventory and then farmout to drill. There 
is considerable technical synergy with the 
work we have done in Atlantic Ireland and 
this is to our advantage in Atlantic Morocco. 
Even at this very early stage we have 
already had expressions of interest from 
potential farminees. 

Q: What will this bring to Europa?
A:  We have early mover advantage in what 
has the potential to be a new petroleum 
province. Industry interest in Morocco 
is picking up again, perhaps inspired by 
events in Guyana, Mauritania and Senegal. 
Three licence agreements were signed 
by ONHYM in 2019 and we believe a 
further two are under negotiation. Genel 
(Sidi Moussa Offshore) and ENI (Tarafaya 
Offshore) are active to the south of  
Inezgane and immediately to the north 
the Mogador Offshore licence is under 
negotiation. The size of the prize is 
exploration prospects that potentially  
host 100s of millions of barrels of oil.  
Hence the interest of large companies. 

Q: What next? 
A:  We continue to actively seek new ventures 
in our Atlantic Margin, NW Europe, North 
Africa AOI. We are specifically seeking to 
balance the high impact exploration part of 
our portfolio with diversification into appraisal 
and development activities and our next new 
venture will be within these activity areas.

Key Facts

 ■ 13 largely independent E&P companies are covering a total 

exploration area of 127,000 km2

Inezgane Permit 

Morocco 

Agadir 

 ■ Projected investment in the energy sector by the year 2030 

estimated to be $40 billion, presenting significant investment 
opportunities

Canary Islands

Morocco

Algeria 

forbes.com

4
4

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
 
 
OUR PORTFOLIO

DIVERSE ASSETS

Our portfolio

COUNTRY 

AREA 

LICENCE 

Ireland 

South Porcupine 

Slyne Basin 

Padraig Basin 

East Midlands 

UK 

Morocco 

Agadir Basin 

FEL 2/13 
FEL 3/13 
FEL 1/17 
LO 16/19 

FEL 4/19 

LO 16/22 

DL 003 
DL 001 
PL 199/215 
PEDL180 
PEDL181 
PEDL182 
PEDL299 
PEDL343 

Inezgane 

FIELD/
PROSPECT 

Kiely East & West, Kilroy 
Beckett, Wilde, Shaw 
Ervine, Edgeworth, Egerton 
2 leads 

Inishkea, Corrib North 

6 leads 

West Firsby 
Crosby Warren 
Whisby-4 
Wressle 

Broughton North 
Hardstoft 
Cloughton 

Falcon, & Sandpiper 

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019

OPERATOR 

EQUITY 

STATUS

Europa 
Europa 
Europa 
Cairn 

Europa 

Europa 

Europa 
Europa 
BPEL 
Egdon 
Europa 
Egdon 
Ineos 
Third Energy 

Europa 

100% 
100% 
100% 
30% 

100% 

100% 

100% 
100% 
65% 
30% 
50% 
30% 
25% 
35% 

Exploration
Exploration
Exploration
Exploration

Exploration

Exploration

Production
Production
Production
Development
Exploration
Exploration
Field 
Appraisal

Exploration
75% 
Read more on pages 8 to 12

5
5

Strategic ReportEuropa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OUR STRATEGY

MAXIMISING VALUE PROPOSITION

Europa’s objective is to create a significant liquidity  
event for its shareholders through successful drilling  
of its high impact exploration portfolio, and discovery  
of oil and gas.

Our Strategy 

New Strategy Committee

In parallel with our strategy, we need 
appropriate balance in the portfolio 
from the appraisal, development 
and production parts of the business 
cycle and our new ventures strategy 
is now focused exclusively on 
opportunities in this area. 

Our area of interest is the Atlantic seaboard, 
north Africa and north west Europe. We are 
prepared to evaluate and acquire quality assets 
wherever they become available provided that 
they are in countries that have low political,  
regulatory and security risks and have transparent  
licensing processes together with acceptable 
commercial terms.

Following a review by the Board in late 2018 a dedicated 
Board Strategy Committee was formed to ensure delivery 
of the strategy. 

The committee meets every month and reviews opportunities, 
recommendations, and deal flow and also seeks to harness the 
expertise of the Board to deliver the strategy. It is chaired by  
HGD Mackay. CW Ahlefeldt-Laurvig, BJ O’Cathain and SG Oddie  
are members.

With the recent addition of the Inezgane Offshore licence we feel that 
the high impact exploration component of our portfolio is sufficiently 
stocked. Our focus during 2019 has been and will continue to be on 
appraisal, development and production opportunities. 

To date during calendar year 2019 some 30 potential opportunities 
have come to our attention and have been subject to various levels 
of technical and commercial screening depending on the merits and 
requirements of each particular opportunity. At any given time, there  
are typically two or three opportunities at various stages in the 
evaluation process. 

We are very selective, have specific screening criteria and always seek 
to make rapid assessment and decisions. As one would expect from 
the appraisal, development and production business areas many of 
the opportunities have 100% chance of geological success and the key 
criteria are often commercial risk and development risk. 

6

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019Committee members:

Hugh Mackay (as chair)

Simon Oddie

Brian O'Cathain

William Ahlefeldt-Laurvig

Our Key Performance Indicators

Non-financial KPIs
 ■ Health, safety and environmental measures

Financial KPIs
 ■ Revenue

 ■ Production (boepd and non-productive time)

 ■ Profit

 ■ Progress with all the licences in which the 

 ■ Cash from operations 

Group has interests

 ■ Participation in ongoing and future  

licensing funds

Non-financial analysis is provided in the  
Operations review on pages 8 to 13

 ■ New cash balance

Financial analysis is provided in the  
Operations review on page 13

7
7

Strategic ReportEuropa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019OPERATIONS

OFFSHORE IRELAND

Inishkea is a large fault bounded Triassic 
structure that lies northwest of the Corrib gas 
field. The reservoir is Triassic age sandstone 
sourced from the underlying Carboniferous. 
The trap is provided by a combination of 
Triassic Uilleann Halite top seal and fault 
seal. Engineering studies demonstrate strong 
positive economics for a range of porosity 
outcomes, including outcomes significantly 
poorer than Corrib. Europa’s view of porosity 
at Inishkea is supported by velocity data from 
the new PSDM data. Given the Company’s 
confidence in trap and reservoir quality and  
the nearby Corrib gas field, the Company 
assigned Inishkea a one-in-three chance of 
success. Inishkea is in relatively shallow water 
in a proven gas play 18km from the Corrib 
infrastructure connecting it to the 350m cubic 
feet of gas per day Bellanaboy gas processing 
plant. Corrib field production is in decline. 
During Q2 2019 average production was 245 
mmscf/d and there is growing spare capacity 
in the infrastructure that a new discovery could 
potentially take advantage of. Inishkea offers a 
low risk, high impact exploration prospect that 
can be potentially  
fast tracked to commercialisation.

A drilling location for a first exploration well on 
Inishkea (18/20-H) has been identified and the 
well engineering design is completed. There 
is a robust, low risk seismic tie for the Corrib 
Sandstone reservoir back to the Corrib gas 
field. Europa intended to acquire a site survey 
in summer 2019 and began the regulatory 
consent process in January 2019. We remain 
hopeful that regulatory consent will be 
obtained during Q4 2019. Unfortunately, the 
delay in granting permission for this survey 
means that site survey operations will likely 
take place in 2020 and that any drilling will  
be from 2021 at the earliest. 

Elsewhere on FEL 4/19, the Corrib North 
structure containing the 18/20-7 gas discovery 
well drilled by Shell in 2010 may be upgraded 
to contingent resources pending further 
engineering evaluation. Discovered Gas Initially 
In Place (‘GIIP’) is provided in the table at the 
top of the following page:

Exploration
Slyne Basin: FEL 4/19 (Inishkea)
The Inishkea gas prospect in FEL 4/19 has  
been the focus of substantial technical, 
commercial and operations work during the 
year and remains the Company’s flagship 
project. Inishkea is a large, low risk gas 
prospect close to gas infrastructure and in  
a country with a robust demand for gas. 

Ireland has a growing economy and its 
demand for energy and electricity is forecast 
to rise. The Government has announced its 
firm commitment to phase out coal from the 
Irish generating mix by 2025, and the 915 MW 
currently generated by coal at the Moneypoint 
power station is likely to be replaced by 
gas-fired power generation. Gas will be a key 
part of the Irish energy transition providing 
baseload and back up to renewables. As 
Minister Bruton said on 25 July 2019 in  
www.thejournal.ie “There’s no doubt if we  
had a gas find beside Corrib and could 
continue to supply from Corrib that would be 
of immense benefit to us in that transition, it 
would allow us to have gas as a transition fuel 
because when the wind doesn’t blow and the 
sun doesn’t shine you need a transition fuel”.

“There’s no doubt if we had a 
gas find beside Corrib and could 
continue to supply from Corrib that 
would be of immense benefit to 
us in that transition, it would allow 
us to have gas as a transition fuel 
because when the wind doesn’t 
blow and the sun doesn’t shine 
you need a transition fuel”. 

The Irish Government approved the Company’s 
application to convert Licensing Option 16/20 
in the Slyne Basin in Atlantic Ireland to FEL 4/19. 
The 100% owned licence has a 15-year term 
commencing from 1 August 2019. 

During the year, substantial technical work 
was undertaken to further de-risk and quantify 
prospective resources for Inishkea. This work 
included Pre-Stack Depth Migration (‘PSDM’) 
reprocessing of 770km2 of 3D seismic data 
over Inishkea and the Corrib gas field. The 
geophysical interpretation arising from the 
PSDM data has been benchmarked and 
calibrated against newly released Ocean 
Bottom Cable 3D seismic data over Corrib. 
That work assigned the Inishkea prospect  
an estimated Gross Mean Un-Risked 
Prospective Resource (‘GMUPR’) of 1.5 tcf. 

Highlights

 ■ LO 16/20, which holds 

Inishkea, Europa’s flagship 
gas prospect, converted to 
15-year exploration licence 
FEL 4/19

 ■ 1.5 trillion cubic feet (‘tcf’) 
gross mean un-risked 
prospective gas resources 
and 1 in 3 chance of success 
assigned to Inishkea

 ■ Progressing regulatory 

consent for site surveys  
over Inishkea, Kiely East  
and Edgeworth as part  
of drill site preparations 

The Slyne Basin, Ireland

8

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019LICENCE

FEL 4/19

PROSPECT

PLAY

Inishkea

Triassic gas

LICENCE

FEL 4/19

PROSPECT

PLAY

Corrib North

Triassic gas

LICENCE

PROSPECT

FEL 1/17

FEL 1/17

FEL 1/17

FEL 3/13

Ervine

Edgeworth

Egerton

Beckett

FEL 3/13

Shaw+

FEL 3/13

Wilde

FEL 2/13

FEL 2/13

FEL 2/13

TOTAL

Kiely East+

Kiely West+

Kilroy+

PLAY

Pre-rift

Pre-rift

Syn-rift

mid-Cretaceous 
Fan

mid-Cretaceous 
Fan

Early Cretaceous 
Fan

Pre-rift

Pre-rift

Cret. Slope Apron

GROSS UN-RISKED PROSPECTIVE RESOURCES 
(BILLION CUBIC FEET)

LOW

244

BEST

968

HIGH

3,606

MEAN

1,528

GROSS DISCOVERED GIIP 
(BILLION CUBIC FEET)

LOW

5

BEST

41

HIGH

208

GROSS UN-RISKED PROSPECTIVE RESOURCES 
(MMBOE*)

LOW

BEST

HIGH

MEAN

63

49

59

111

20

45

52

23

37

159

156

148

758

196

241

187

123

177

363

476

301

4,229

1,726

1,082

612

534

734

192

225

167

1,719

747

462

280

225

312

4,329

* Million barrels of oil equivalent. The hydrocarbon system is considered an oil play and mmboe is used to take account of associated gas. 

However, due to the significant uncertainties in the available geological information, there is a significant possibility of gas charge.

+Prospect extends outside licence, volumes are on-licence.

EL 3/05 

FEL 4/19 
(100%)

LO

 16/23 

LO
 16/26 

Shell E&P
Corrib

EL 1/06 

LO
 11/13 

EL
4/06 

FEL 4/19 in the Slyne Basin

Bellanaboy
Gas Terminal

km

0

20

South Porcupine Basin: FELs 1/17,  
2/13 and 3/13
Europa holds four licences in the South 
Porcupine Basin. These include three  
operated licences, FELs 1/17, 2/13 and 3/13, 
which are estimated to hold gross mean 
un-risked prospective resources of 4.3 billion 
barrels of oil equivalent (‘boe’) across our top 
nine prospects, including firm drilling targets 
Edgeworth in FEL 1/17, Wilde in 3/13 and Kiely 
East in 2/13. The volumetrics are based on 
prospect mapping utilising the 2017 and 2018 
reprocessed PSDM 3D seismic data that we 
originally acquired in 2013. This has resulted  
in a marked improvement in seismic quality 
and a substantial de-risking of the prospect 
inventory. The table above summarises the 
GMUPR across selected prospects in FELs  
1/17, 2/13 and 3/13.

FEL 3/13 and FEL 1/17 are considered our  
most prospective licences in the South 
Porcupine and our top ranked prospects  
is the Edgeworth Ervine fault block complex 
in FEL 1/17. The application process for a site 
survey on Edgeworth commenced in  
February 2019 and remains ongoing. 

The Government approved the Company’s 
application for a 12-month extension to the 
First Phase of FEL 2/13 to 4 July 2020. The 
Company’s application for a 12-month extension 
to the First Phase of FEL 3/13 remains under 
Government consideration. 

The next steps for FEL 2/13 include integration 
of recently purchased CREAN 3D seismic data 
with particular focus on mapping the extension 
of Kiely East into open acreage to the south of 
the licence. The application process for a site 
survey on Kiely East commenced in February 
2019 and remains ongoing. 

South Porcupine Basin: LO 16/19
Europa holds a 30% interest in the Cairn-
operated LO 16/19 on the west side of the 
South Porcupine. 3D seismic was acquired in 
mid-2017 and a final processed product was 
delivered in Q4 2018. Following the farmout 
in April 2017, Europa is carried on this work 
programme by Cairn Energy up to a cap of 
US$6m. Prospect mapping is in progress and 
the prospect inventory is expected later  
in 2019.

9

Strategic ReportEuropa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

OFFSHORE IRELAND (CONTINUED)

The future of exploration in Ireland
On 23 September 2019 at the UN Climate 
Action Summit in New York An Taoiseach 
Leo Varadkar stated the Irish Government’s 
intention to phase out oil exploration licences 
in the future, but not gas exploration. 
The Irish Offshore Operators Association 
(IOOA), the representative organisation 
for the Irish offshore oil and gas industry, 
sought clarification from the Government 
on behalf of its members. On 24 September 
the Government confirmed to IOOA that its 
proposals “will relate to future applications”  
and that its “existing licences will remain valid”.

All of Europa’s existing licences in Atlantic 
Ireland are therefore valid, and will continue to 
be valid, irrespective of whether exploration is 
for oil or gas. 

IOOA is awaiting a meeting with the 
Government to outline its proposals on how 
future licensing rounds will be implemented. 
We understand that future applications for gas 
exploration licences may be permitted.

Our flagship project in Atlantic Ireland is the  
1.5 tcf Inishkea gas prospect and we note in  
the letter of 20 September from Ireland’s 
Climate Change Advisory Council and  
tweeted by Minister Bruton at the UN on  
23 September the comment that ‘Recovery 
of newly discovered gas reserves may lead 
to improved energy security, lower energy 
costs, and facilitate reductions in greenhouse 
gas emissions during the transition to a low 
carbon economy’. We consider this a positive 
statement for Irish gas exploration.

The Iolar well
The South Porcupine basin is a large basin 
(circa 50,000km2) with only four exploration 
wells drilled since 1988. The most recent  
well is the CNOOC operated Iolar well in 
FEL 3/18 on the west flank of the basin and 
drilled during summer 2019. On 22 August 
2019 CNOOC advised that the well had been 
plugged and abandoned as a dry hole. The 
pre-drill public domain information indicated  
the well was to be drilled in 2,162m water 
depth, with a forecast TD of 6,174 mtvdss 
and with a primary target of Middle Jurassic 
sandstones. The well was drilled as a ‘tight 
hole’ which means that the partners have 
not released any detailed information on its 
results post drilling. Consequently, there is 
no information available as yet regarding 
actual stratigraphy, formation tops, source 
rocks, reservoir and hydrocarbon indications 
encountered in the well.

Europa believes that its Middle Jurassic 
prospects in FEL 3/13 and FEL 1/17 on the 
undrilled east flank of the South Porcupine 
are more prospective, and lower risk than 
prospects on the west flank of the basin. 
Whilst the 417 mmbo Edgeworth Ervine fault 
block complex is also targeting marine Middle 
Jurassic sandstone reservoirs, crucially at 
this location we expect to encounter top seal 
provided by Upper Jurassic mudstones, and 
the basinward dipping fault blocks are likely 
to be in communication with mature, oil prone 
Upper Jurassic source rocks. 

Farmout
As previously announced, we have negotiated 
farmout agreements in respect of FEL 4/19, 
FEL 1/17 and FEL 3/13 with the NW Europe 
division of a major oil company (the ‘Major’). 
Europa is in regular contact with the Major and 
continues to await a final investment decision 
from the Major’s head office. However, owing 
to the length of time it has taken to complete 
the farmout agreement, we have continued to 
market the licences to other potential partners. 
We are focused on being in a position to drill 
Inishkea at the earliest opportunity and farmout 
discussions are ongoing with a number of 
parties, including the Major. We believe that  
the “Major” is considering prioritising conclusion 
of the FEL 4/19 Inishkea farmout and in advance 
of the South Porcupine licences FEL 1/17 and 
FEL 3/13.

10

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
ONSHORE UK

Our oil production in onshore UK and the revenue 
streams that it generates is an important part of the 
Company’s portfolio. 

Torksey

RAF Scampton

Glentworth

East
Glentworth

DL3 (100%)

West Firsby

Scampton
North

Dunholme

Scampton

Welton

Nettleham

Lincoln

Barton upon
Humber

DL1 (100%) Crosby Warren

PEDL182 (30%)

Broughton

Wressle

Scunthorpe

W4 (65%)

Whisby

0

km

10

0

km

10

PEDL180 (30%)

Location of West Firsby and Whisby

PEDL180 (Wressle) and Crosby Warren

We are actively maximising 
production from our existing fields 
and most importantly we are finally 
making positive progress towards 
obtaining planning approval for the 
Wressle oil development.

East Midlands: PEDL180 (Wressle); PEDL182 
(Broughton North)
Europa has a 30% working interest in licence 
PEDL180 in the East Midlands which holds 
the Wressle oil discovery, alongside Egdon 
(operator, 30%), Union Jack Oil (27.5%), and 
Humber Oil & Gas Limited (12.5%).

An inquiry to hear the Company’s appeal 
against the refusal of planning consent for 
the development of the Wressle oil field by 
the planning committee of North Lincolnshire 
Council (‘NLC’) is scheduled to commence on 
5 November 2019. Following a closed meeting 
held on 17 July 2019, we learnt that NLC will 
not present evidence at the inquiry and has 
withdrawn its case following agreement  
of acceptable planning conditions.

We welcome the NLC decision and look forward 
to continuing to support the operator Egdon, as 
it seeks to obtain planning permission via the 
appeal and prepares to present the case for 
the development of the Wressle oil field to the 
independent professional Planning Inspector. 

Production
East Midlands: West Firsby; Crosby Warren; 
Whisby-4
During the period, initiatives were undertaken 
to maximise production at the West Firsby oil 
field including a workover of the WF6 well 
utilising a drain hole jetting technique for the 
first-time onshore UK. The workover involved 
jetting 16 90m length drain holes and setting a 
new record for hole angle. Having previously 
produced zero oil, WF6 is currently producing 
7 bopd net to Europa. Whilst a comparatively 
small quantum of oil at $60 per barrel oil 
price it is an increase of around 8% in our UK 
production. Most importantly we have gained 
unique insights into utilisation and deployment 
of the technology and we are seeking other 
opportunities where the quantum increase in 
production will be more substantial. 

An average of 91 boepd (2018: 94 boepd) was 
recovered from the three UK onshore fields. 
Production was down as a result of natural 
decline, but partially offset by the contribution 
from the WF6 well.

The Wressle oil field was discovered in 2014  
by the Wressle-1 well. During testing, a total  
of 710 boepd were recovered from three 
separate reservoirs, the Ashover Grit, the 
Wingfield Flags and the Penistone Flags.  
In September 2016, a Competent Person’s 
Report (‘CPR’) provided independent estimates 
of reserves and contingent and prospective oil 
and gas resources for the Wressle discovery 
of 2.15m stock tank barrels classified as 
discovered (2P+2C). Under the proposed 
development plan, Wressle is anticipated to 
produce at an initial gross rate of 500 bopd.  
If that were achieved, Europa would receive  
a net 150 bopd from Wressle and Europa’s  
UK production would increase to around  
240 bopd. Most importantly our revenue  
from production would more than double  
and make an important contribution to the  
financial stability of the Company. 

East Midlands: PEDL181
PEDL181 provides exposure to the hydrocarbon 
potential of the Humber basin. The licence has 
technical synergy with the adjacent PEDL334 
which was awarded to an Egdon Resources-
led group in the 14th Round for the purpose of 
conventional and unconventional exploration.

11

Strategic ReportEuropa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

ONSHORE UK (CONTINUED)

Cloughton-1

PEDL343
(35%)

Lockton

Scarborough

Pickering

Kirby Misperton

Malton

Knapton

Marishes

Newark

km

0

10

Bridlington

PEDL343

Cleveland Basin: PEDL343 (Cloughton) 
PEDL343 contains the Cloughton gas discovery, 
which was drilled by Bow Valley in 1986 and 
flowed gas to surface on production test 
from conventional Carboniferous sandstone 
reservoirs. Europa regards Cloughton as a gas 
appraisal opportunity with the critical challenge 
being to obtain commercial flowrates from future 
production testing operations. Europa holds a 
35% interest in PEDL343 alongside Arenite 15%, 
Third Energy 20% (operator), Egdon Resources 
17.5% and Petrichor Energy 12.5%.

Weald Basin: PEDL143 (Holmwood)
We completed the sale of our 20% interest in 
the UK onshore PEDL143 exploration licence 
to AIM-traded UK Oil & Gas PLC (‘UKOG’) for a 
consideration of £300,000, satisfied through 
the issue of 25,951,557 shares (‘Consideration 
Shares’) in UKOG. The Consideration Shares are 
subject to a six-month orderly market provision. 

Chesterfield
Calow

PEDL299 
(25%)

Bothamshall

Farleys Wood

Egmanton

Whisby

Eakring

Mansfield

Hardstoft

km

0

10

PEDL299

East Midlands: PEDL299 (Hardstoft) 
PEDL299 contains the Hardstoft oil field which 
was discovered in 1919 by the UK’s first ever 
exploration well. Hardstoft produced 26,000 
barrels of oil from Carboniferous limestone 
reservoirs in the 1920s. We believe there is 
more oil to be recovered from the Hardstoft 
structure. Gross 2C contingent resources of  
3.1 mmboe and gross 3C contingent resources 
of 18.5 mmboe were identified in a CPR issued 
by joint operation partner Upland Resources. 
We believe that application of modern 
production testing and drilling methodologies 
could well lead to commercial oil flowrates 
being achieved. Europa’s interest in PEDL299, 
which is restricted to the conventional 
prospectivity including Hardstoft, is 25%, 
alongside Upland 25% and INEOS, the  
operator, 50%. 

12

New ventures
In Morocco we have signed the Inezgane 
Offshore exploration permit with ONHYM  
(the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines) 
on 17 September. Inezgane is on the Atlantic 
Margin of Morocco and represents a new high 
impact exploration component to our portfolio 
of licences.

The next step is formal ratification by the 
Ministry of Energy and Ministry of Finance. This 
is expected to be obtained during November 
and the eight-year licence will formally be given 
its start date. In the interim period work has 
already started. ONHYM is already providing 
Europa with the relevant 3D, 2D, well data and 
regional geological information. 

The first phase of the licence is for two years 
during which time we will reprocess 1,300km2 
3D seismic, build the prospect inventory, define 
a drillable prospect and farmout to drill in Phase 
2. The cost of the first phase programme is 
expected to be around £500,000.

Inezgane Offshore is located in the Agadir 
Basin on the Atlantic Coast of Morocco. 
Water depths vary from 600-2,000m and 
the licence is very large: 11,288km2 in area. 
Morocco’s Atlantic coastline is ~1,800km 
in length, only 10 deep-water wells have 
been drilled and only three of them have 
penetrated the Lower Cretaceous reservoir 
interval that we are interested in, none of them 
optimally. We consider the Atlantic Coast to 
be underexplored and that the potential of the 
Lower Cretaceous play has been previously 
overlooked by the industry. The Atlantic 
region of Morocco has already demonstrated 
world class source rocks. Good quality lower 
Cretaceous reservoirs are exposed on the 
surface in the nearby Canary Islands and in  
the Moroccan onshore. We believe that there 
is an optimal combination of thick reservoir, 
source rock and trap in our licence with 
potential to host prospects with resources in 
excess of 250 mmbo. Morocco has amongst 
the best fiscal terms in the world and whilst 
deep water the operating environment is  
more benign compared to West of Shetland  
or Atlantic Ireland.

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019The Group’s cash balance at 31 July 2019  
was £2.9m (31 July 2018: £1.8m). The Group’s 
cash flow forecast up to 31 December 2020 
considers the continuing and forecast cash 
inflow from the Group’s producing assets, the 
cash held by the Group at the year end, less 
administrative expenses and planned capital 
expenditure. Based on that forecast, the 
Directors have concluded that Group will be 
able to continue as a going concern and  
meet its obligations as and when they fall 
due. The critical assumption in reaching that 
conclusion is that the Wressle planning appeal 
scheduled for 5 November 2019 has a positive 
outcome and production commences at the 
forecasted rate in 2020. In the absence of 
incremental production from Wressle in 2020 
then additional funding by the issuance of 
shares or sale of assets would be required.  
If additional funding was not available there  
is a risk that commitments could not be  
fulfilled, and assets would be relinquished.

Hugh Mackay
Chief Executive Officer 

9 October 2019

Non-financial Key Performance  
Indicators (‘KPIs’)
There were no reportable accidents or 
incidents in the year (2018: zero). 

There were no new licence awards in the year; 
the Morocco Inezgane Offshore exploration 
permit was signed post year end. (2018: zero).

Financials
Revenue was £1.7m (2018: £1.6m). The  
average oil price achieved was US$66.7/bbl 
(2018: US$64.5/bbl) and the average Sterling 
exchange rate was US$1.29 (2018: US$1.35).  
An average of 91 boepd (2018: 94 boepd)  
was recovered from our three UK onshore 
fields. Production was down as a result 
of natural decline, but partially offset by a 
contribution from the West Firsby WF6 well 
following the workover.

Stringent cost controls continue to be 
implemented but additional one-off cost was 
incurred during the WF6 workover. Cost of 
sales was £1,682,000 (2018: £1,365,000). 

Administrative expenses of £811,000  
(2018: £967,000) included £102,000 on  
new licence evaluations (2018: £230,000). 

The placing and open offer announced in 
November 2018 raised combined £4,299,000 
gross and £3,962,000 after expenses 
(including £17,000 of non-cash expenses). 

Net cash spent on operating activities was 
£661,000 (2018: cash spent £479,000). 

Purchase of intangible fixed assets of 
£1,973,000 (2018: £1,336,000) was largely  
spent advancing the Irish portfolio.

We have been provided with a large volume 
of modern 3D seismic data and we will be 
reprocessing around 1,300km2 focused on 
maturing the Falcon, Sandpiper prospects 
(amongst others) to drillable status.

This region of the Atlantic Coast in Morocco  
is already a focus for industry interest. To  
the south of Inezgane Genel has acquired 
3,500km2 of 3D seismic in Sidi Moussa 
Offshore and ENI have farmed out a 30% 
interest to Qatar Petroleum in Tarfaya  
Offshore. Immediately to the north of and 
abutting Inezgane is the Mogador Offshore 
licence which is under active negotiation.  
We await with interest the announcement  
of an award of an exploration licence  
here. We consider that in Inezgane, we  
have a very prospective licence in an  
area that is re-emerging as an industry 
exploration hotspot.

We believe that the main reason that the 
exploration industry’s major oil and gas 
companies have turned their interest to 
offshore Morocco again is that it shares  
similar geology and prospectivity to other 
Atlantic margin countries like Guyana and 
Senegal. Like Morocco these countries have 
also had intermittent exploration drilling since  
the 1960s and were also ‘off radar’ until very  
recent discoveries changed that mindset.  
In offshore Guyana in excess of 5 billion  
barrels of oil has been discovered and in 
offshore Senegal/Mauritania in excess of 
50TCF and 1 billion barrels of oil has been 
discovered in recent years. We are optimistic 
that the Moroccan offshore can become a 
similar resurgence story.

Our work programme is one that plays to 
our technical strengths given our previous 
experience reprocessing three 3D surveys 
in Ireland against a tight time frame and with 
excellent results. In due course we will be 
seeking to bring in a farmin partner and even 
at this early stage there is significant industry 
interest in our licence.

13

Strategic ReportEuropa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

RESPONSIBLE RISK MANAGEMENT

Europa’s activities are subject to a range of financial risks 
including commodity prices, liquidity, exchange rates and  
loss of operational equipment or wells.

These risks are managed with the oversight of the Board and the Audit Committee through ongoing review, considering the operational,  
business and economic circumstances at that time. The primary risk facing the business is that of liquidity.

KEY RISK

DESCRIPTION AND IMPACT

MITIGATION

FINANCIAL RISK

Funding

Significant expenditure is required to establish the extent of oil and gas 
reserves through seismic surveys and drilling and there can be no certainty 
that oil and gas reserves will be found. 

Detailed cash forecasts are prepared 
frequently and reviewed by management 
and the Board.

Licences may be revoked by the relevant issuing authority if commitments 
under those licences are not met. Further details of current licence 
commitments are given in notes 11 and 23.

Commodity 
price and foreign 
exchange

Each month’s oil production is sold at a small discount to Brent price in US 
Dollars. These funds are matched where possible against expenditures 
within the business. As most capital and operating expenditures are Sterling 
denominated, US Dollars are periodically sold to purchase Sterling. A fall in  
oil price could make some projects economically unviable.

All oil production is sold to one UK based refinery – if they were to stop 
buying Europa’s crude, additional transportation costs would be incurred.

The Group’s production provides a 
monthly inflow of cash and is the main 
source of working capital and project 
finance. Additional cash is available 
through the placing of Europa shares in 
the market and the trading of assets.

The Board has considered the use of 
financial instruments to hedge oil price 
and US Dollar exchange rate movements. 
To date, the Board has not hedged against 
price or exchange rate movements but 
intends to regularly review this policy.

OPERATIONAL 
RISK

Exploration, drilling 
and operational risk

The business of exploration and production of oil and gas involves a high 
degree of risk. Few prospects that are explored are ultimately developed into 
producing oil and gas fields.

There are numerous risks inherent in drilling and operating wells, many of 
which are beyond the Company’s control. Operations may be curtailed, 
delayed or cancelled as a result of environmental hazards, industrial accidents, 
occupational and health hazards, technical failures, weather, reservoir 
pressures, shortage or delays in the delivery of rigs and other equipment, 
labour disputes and compliance with governmental requirements. 

Current production comes from five oil 
wells located at three different sites. This 
diversity of producing assets gives Europa 
resilience in the event of a problem with 
one well or site.

Appropriate insurance cover is obtained 
annually for all of Europa’s exploration, 
development and production activities.

Drilling may involve unprofitable efforts, not only with respect to dry wells, 
but also to wells which, though yielding some oil or gas, are not sufficiently 
productive to justify commercial development. Completion of a well does 
not assure a profit on the investment or recovery of drilling, completion and 
operating costs. 

Planning risk

Securing planning consent for onshore wells takes time and the outcome  
of planning applications is not certain.

The Group engages planning and legal 
specialists in the field.

On behalf of the Board 

Phil Greenhalgh
Finance Director

9 October 2019

14

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION TO GOVERNANCE

The Board intends to continuously review 
its governance framework in line with the 
Company’s plans for growth. 

The last 12 months have seen, amongst others, 
the following governance developments: 

 ■ SG Oddie and RJHM Corrie met with  

major shareholders 

 ■ Establishment of a Strategy Committee  

of the Board 

 ■ A Board evaluation review in September 
2018, the main action points arising being:

 ■ To reduce the number of Board 

meetings in 2019 with a likely increase in 
the number of subcommittee meetings

 ■ To look for a female member at the  

next opportunity

 ■ To reconsider succession planning, 

remuneration and incentives

 ■ To review and test emergency  

action plans 

As Chairman of Europa Oil &  
Gas (Holdings) plc, it is my 
responsibility to ensure that 
the Board is performing its role 
effectively and has the capacity, 
ability, structure and support to 
enable it to continue to do so. 

How we govern the Group
The information on Corporate Governance  
set out below and on the website  
www.europaoil.com is, in the opinion  
of the Board, fully in accordance with the 
revised requirements of AIM Rule 26. 

The Board has determined that the Quoted 
Companies Alliance (QCA) Corporate 
Governance Code for small and mid-size 
quoted companies is the most appropriate  
for the Group to adhere to. 

The QCA Code is constructed around 10 broad 
principles and a set of disclosures. The QCA 
has stated what it considers to be appropriate 
arrangements for growing companies and asks 
companies to provide an explanation of how 
they are meeting the principles through the 
prescribed disclosures. We have considered 
how we apply each principle to the extent that 
the Board judges these to be appropriate in 
the circumstances, and below we provide an 
explanation of the approach taken in relation 
to each. The Board considers that it does not 
depart from any of the principles of the QCA 
Code during the period under review. 

15

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019GovernanceCHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION TO GOVERNANCE (CONTINUED)

QCA PRINCIPLES

For the purposes of clarity, the description of how the Group complies with the 10 principles of the QCA Code begins with a summary of those areas 
where the Group does not fully comply, followed by a review of each of the principles in turn. 

PRINCIPLE 6:

ACTION

Ensure that between them the Directors have the necessary  
up-to-date experience, skills and capabilities.

The Board has resolved to look for a female member at the next 
opportunity to add or replace a Director.

The Board should understand and challenge its own diversity, 
including gender balance, as part of its composition.

Review of each of the QCA principles

PRINCIPLE 1:

Establish a strategy and business model which promote long-term 
value for shareholders.

Our strategy is described here:
http://www.europaoil.com/strategy.aspx

Also note:

 ■ In January 2019 following a review of strategy led by BJ O’Cathain, 
the Board resolved to establish a Strategy Committee to provide 
support to the executive in implementing the strategy 

 ■ The Strategy Committee has met five times in 2018-19

 ■ Strategy is assessed by discussion between the Directors

 ■ An external strategy session is not considered useful

 ■ We do not use risk assessment as a strategy

PRINCIPLE 2:

Seek to understand and meet shareholder needs and expectations.

The Company engages with shareholders by:

 ■ Publishing periodic newsletters

 ■ Emailing Regulatory News Service (RNS) announcements to its 

subscriber list

 ■ Replying to investor questions sent to mail@europaoil.com either 

directly or through St Brides Partners Limited 

 ■ Proactive Investor presentations and interviews (made available on 

the website by links to “YouTube” recordings)

 ■ Conducting at least twice-yearly meetings with major shareholders 

on its results roadshows to obtain a balanced understanding of their 
issues and concerns

Shareholder liaison is the responsibility of the CEO and Chairman,  
with assistance from the Finance Director and the SID.

At the last AGM, voting did not indicate any specific  
shareholder concerns.

16

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019PRINCIPLE 3:

Take into account wider stakeholder and social responsibilities and 
their implications for long-term success.

PRINCIPLE 4:

Embed effective risk management, considering both opportunities 
and threats, throughout the organisation.

Key stakeholders are:

 ■ Phillips 66, (who purchase our produced crude oil)

 ■ Employees and consultants

 ■ Regulators (OGA, DCCAE (Department of Communications, Climate 

Action and Environment (Ireland)), EA, HSE, Local Authorities)

 ■ Host Governments

 ■ Local communities

 ■ Partners and Co-venturers

The CEO provides a weekly report to the Board which includes 
a section on Stakeholder and Social Responsibility. This includes 
stakeholder feedback from multiple sources. 

Europa is a member of the UK Onshore Operator Group (‘UKOOG’) and 
through this forum has regular meetings with the EA and HSE.

Engagement with UKOOG has helped improve our submissions to 
various regulatory authorities.

Europa is a member of the Irish Offshore Operators’ Association 
(‘IOOA’) which has been highly active in promoting the need for oil and 
gas exploration in Ireland.

The CFO has prepared a risk register for the Group that identifies key 
operational and financial risks. All members of the Board are provided 
with a copy of the register. The register is reviewed at least annually 
and is updated as and when necessary.

The Audit Committee monitors the integrity of the financial statements 
and related announcements, reviews the Company’s internal control 
processes and risk management systems, and reports its conclusions 
to the Board. The committee regularly reviews the effectiveness of the 
Company’s systems and risk management.

Within the scope of the annual audit, specific financial risks  
including foreign currency, interest rates, liquidity and credit are 
evaluated in detail.

All members of staff and contractors are provided with a handbook 
which includes sections on share dealing, bribery and whistle-blowing. 
The handbook is updated and reissued regularly.

We do not currently have a risk management framework, a risk 
management improvement programme, a risk training programme, 
workshops, ‘risk appetite’ or monitoring dashboard but will review  
if any of these would be beneficial in the coming year.

17

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019GovernanceCHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION TO GOVERNANCE (CONTINUED)

PRINCIPLE 5:

Maintain the Board as a well-functioning, balanced team  
led by the chair.

Tenure (yrs)

Age distribution (yrs)

0-5  

5-10  

10-15  

33%

17%

50%

50s  

60s  

67%

33%

Nationality (%)

Gender diversity (%)

British  

Danish  

Irish  

66%

17%

17%

Independence (%)

Male  

Female  

100%

0%

Independent  

67%

Non-independent   33%

All of the four NEDs are considered by the Board to be independent. 

Biographies are available at:
http://www.europaoil.com/directors.aspx

Three of the Board’s non-executive Directors, SG Oddie, RJHM Corrie 
and BJ O’Cathain, hold share options. Whilst recognising that the 
granting of options to non-executive Directors can be deemed to 
compromise independence in accordance with the principles of the 
QCA Corporate Governance Code, the Board views this to be part of 
a balanced remuneration package to attract and retain high quality 
candidates and considers the numbers of options to have no effect 
upon the independence of these Directors as the sums are insignificant 
in the context of the individual’s financial circumstances.

Two of the Board’s non-executive Directors, CW Ahlefeldt-Laurvig 
and RJHM Corrie, have been members for more than the nine years 
recommended by the QCA Corporate Governance Code. The Board 
believes them to be independent in character and free from any 
relationship that could affect their independent judgement. This is 
demonstrated by their objective and active contribution in Board 
meetings and their voting record. 

The appointment of SG Oddie and BJ O’Cathain in January 2018 
compensated somewhat for their seniority and reduced the average 
tenure of the Board. Directors serving more than six years will continue 
to be proposed for re-election at each AGM.

HGD Mackay (CEO) and P Greenhalgh (FD and Company Secretary) are 
full time employees. 

SG Oddie (non-executive Chairman); BJ O’Cathain, RJHM Corrie and 
CW Ahlefeldt-Laurvig (all Non-Executive Directors) are all expected to 
devote such time as is necessary for the proper performance of their 
duties including attendance at seven Board meetings per year, the 
AGM, and Board committee meetings. 

The minimum numbers of meetings for committees are: Audit 
Committee – two; Remuneration Committee – one; and Nominations 
Committee – one. Meetings held and attendance records of all 
Directors for the period 1 August 2018 to 31 July 2019 are set out below.
The Board is balanced in terms of experience, and the split between 
Executive and Non-Executive Directors.

All Board and Board committee members received agenda and 
associated papers a few days in advance of meetings.

18

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019PRINCIPLE 6:

Ensure that between them the Directors have the necessary  
up-to-date experience, skills and capabilities.

PRINCIPLE 7:

Evaluate Board performance based on clear and relevant 
objectives, seeking continuous improvement.

Members of the Board of Directors are listed at 
http://www.europaoil.com/directors.aspx including their relevant 
experience, skills and personal qualities. There is an appropriate 
breadth of experience covering the key aspects of the business 
including technical, operational, financial and international. The gender 
balance needs to be addressed and is under consideration. It is 
the responsibility of each Director to keep skills up to date with the 
assistance of the Chairman who has a core responsibility in addressing 
the development needs of the Board as a whole with a view to 
enhancing its overall effectiveness.

Board Committees call on external advisers where this is  
deemed necessary.

No significant matters of a corporate governance nature arose during 
the period covered by the 2019 Annual Report nor subsequently to 
the date of this statement on which it was considered necessary for 
the Board or any of its committees to seek specific external advice, 
although the Board consults with its Nominated Adviser and other 
professional advisers on routine matters arising in the ordinary course 
of its business.

The main internal advisory functions are those of Senior  
Independent Director and Company Secretary (shared with the  
Finance Director function).

New Directors receive training from the Company Nominated Adviser 
and broker.

In 2018 with two new Directors in place, the Board undertook an 
effectiveness review utilising a PwC developed assessment tool.  
Each Director fed back to the Chairman and results were assimilated 
and considered at the following Board meeting. This was the first  
formal review. In future, reviews will take place annually, with third  
party facilitation of the process every third year. The main action  
points arising being:

 ■ To reduce the number of Board meetings in 2019 with a likely 

increase in the number of subcommittee meetings

 ■ To look for a female member at the next opportunity to add or 

replace a Director

 ■ To reconsider succession planning, remuneration and incentives

 ■ To review and test emergency action plans

The second review will be completed later this year.

19

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019Governance 
CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION TO GOVERNANCE (CONTINUED)

PRINCIPLE 8:

Promote a corporate culture that is based on ethical values  
and behaviours.

Members of the Board are committed to observing and promoting 
the highest standards of ethical conduct in the performance of their 
responsibilities on the Board of Europa. The Board believes that a 
culture that is based on the highest ethical standards provides a 
competitive advantage and is consistent with fulfilment of the  
Group’s strategy.

Board meetings are held usually at the head office and once a year  
at one of the production sites. Directors are encouraged to spend  
time with, listen to, and act upon any concerns of, staff members  
and contractors.

 ■ The Board considers that cultural differences between UK and 

Ireland are immaterial

 ■ We do not have a culture policy, nor a specific culture related 

employee training / induction programme – but resolve to review 
the need for such a programme annually

 ■ Culture and strategy are deeply aligned

 ■ The Board ensures that the Company has the means to determine 
that ethical values and behaviours are recognised and respected

PRINCIPLE 9:

Maintain governance structures and processes that are fit for 
purpose and support good decision making by the Board.

Role of the Chairman – SG Oddie

 ■ Runs the Board and sets its agenda

 ■ Promotes the highest standards of corporate governance

 ■ Ensures that the members of the Board receive accurate, timely and 

clear information, to promote the success of the Group

 ■ Ensures effective communication with shareholders

 ■ Takes the lead in identifying and meeting the development needs 

of individual Directors, ensuring that the performance of individuals 
and of the Board as a whole and its committees is evaluated at  
least once a year

Role of the CEO – HGD Mackay

 ■ Develops Group objectives and strategy 

 ■ Executes strategy following approval by the Board

 ■ Identifies and executes licence acquisitions and disposals, joint 

venture opportunities, approves major work programmes

 ■ Leads geographic diversification initiatives

 ■ Identifies and executes new business opportunities outside the 

current core activities

 ■ Manages the Group’s risk profile, including the health and safety 

performance of the business, in line with the extent and categories 
of risk identified as considered acceptable by the Board

20

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019PRINCIPLE 9 (CONTINUED):

Maintain governance structures and processes that are fit for 
purpose and support good decision making by the Board.

PRINCIPLE 10:

Communicate how the company is governed and is  
performing by maintaining a dialogue with shareholders  
and other relevant stakeholders.

Role of the SID – RJHM Corrie

 ■ Works closely with the Chairman, acting as a sounding board and 

providing support

 ■ Acts as an intermediary for other Directors as and when necessary

 ■ Is available to shareholders and other non-executives to address 
any concerns or issues they feel have not been adequately dealt 
with through the usual channels of communication

 ■ Meets at least annually with the non-executives to review the 

Chairman’s performance and carrying out succession planning for 
the Chairman’s role

 ■ Attends sufficient meetings with major shareholders to obtain a 

balanced understanding of their issues and concerns

Role of the Company Secretary – P Greenhalgh

Given Europa’s size and desire to manage its resources effectively,  
the role of Company Secretary is performed by the Finance Director. 
The Board reviews this structure at least annually.

 ■ Distributes documents to the Board

 ■ Is available to the Audit, Remuneration, Nominations and Strategy 

Committees as required

 ■ Keeps minutes of meetings

 ■ Updates Companies House records for the Company  

and subsidiaries

Committee Terms of Reference and Matters Reserved for the Board are 
available at:
http://www.europaoil.com/corporatedocuments.aspx

The Board intends to continuously review its governance framework in 
line with the Company’s plans for growth.

SG Oddie and RJHM Corrie met major shareholders without  
executives present.

The Audit Committee met to review the interim and preliminary 
accounts for the Group and held meetings with the external auditor 
without executives present. 

The Remuneration Committee met twice during the year to review 
remuneration and incentives.

During the year the Company has focused on advancing its portfolio 
towards drilling and looked at new asset opportunities. 

Past Notice of AGMs are available at: 
http://www.europaoil.com/reportsandpresentations.aspx

21

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019GovernanceCHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION TO GOVERNANCE (CONTINUED)

SUMMARY

SG Oddie

CW Ahlefeldt-Laurvig

RJHM Corrie

BJ O’Cathain

HGD Mackay

P Greenhalgh

BOARD  
MEETINGS

AUDIT  
COMMITTEE

REMUNERATION 
COMMITTEE

NOMINATIONS  
COMMITTEE

STRATEGY
COMMITTEE

Attended

Possible

Attended

Possible

Attended

Possible

Attended

Possible

Attended

Possible

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

2

2

2

2

—

—

2

2

2

2

—

—

2

2

2

2

—

—

2

2

2

2

—

—

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

—

—

5

5

—

3

5

—

5

5

—

5

5

—

Terms of Reference
The Terms of Reference of all Board 
Committees are available on the website.

Record of meetings
Meetings held and attendance records of all 
Directors for the period 1 August 2018 to  
31 July 2019 are set out above.

Simon Oddie
Chairman

Board
The Board is responsible for the overall 
governance of the Company. Its responsibilities 
include setting the strategic direction of the 
Company, providing leadership to put the 
strategy into action and to supervise the 
management of the business.

The Board comprises four non-executive 
Directors (‘NEDs’), the CEO and Finance 
Director. Biographies of the Directors are on 
pages 26-27. All four NEDs are considered by 
the Board to be independent. The roles and 
responsibilities of the Chairman, CEO, Senior 
Independent Director (‘SID’) and Company 
Secretary are set out on the website and 
summarised below.

SG Oddie is non-executive Chairman, RJHM 
Corrie is the SID, BJ O'Cathain and CW 
Ahlefeldt-Laurvig are Non-Executive Directors. 

22

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

The Audit Committee meets twice a  
year and is chaired by Roderick Corrie.  
William Ahlefeldt-Laurvig, Brian O’Cathain  
and Simon Oddie are members. 

During the year, the committee has reviewed:

 ■ Internal financial controls systems and 

other internal control and risk management 
systems

 ■ Approved their remuneration for audit and 

non-audit services

The committee has overseen the relationship 
with the external auditor, including: 

The committee reviewed the findings of the 
audit with the external auditor, including:

 ■ The statements to be included in the 

 ■ Approved their terms of engagement and 

Annual report concerning internal control, 
risk management and the going concern 
statement

 ■ The carrying values of the producing and 

intangible assets

the scope of the audit 

 ■ Satisfied itself that there are no relationships 

between the auditor and the Company 
which could adversely affect the auditor’s 
independence and objectivity 

 ■ A discussion of issues which arose during 
the audit, including any errors identified 
during the audit; and the auditor’s 
explanation of how the risks to audit quality 
were addressed 

 ■ Key accounting and audit judgements; 

 ■ The auditor’s view of their interactions  

with senior management

 ■ The adequacy and security of the 

 ■ Monitored the auditor’s processes for 

 ■ A review of any representation letters 

Company’s arrangements for its employees 
and contractors to raise concerns about 
possible wrongdoing in financial reporting 
or other matters

 ■ The procedures for detecting fraud; 

 ■ The systems and controls for the  

prevention of bribery 

 ■ The need for an internal audit function

maintaining independence, its compliance 
with relevant UK law, regulation, other 
professional requirements and the Ethical 
Standard, including the guidance on the 
rotation of audit partner and staff 

requested by the external auditor before 
they were signed by management 

 ■ A review of the management letter and 
management’s response to the auditor’s 
findings and recommendations

 ■  A review of the effectiveness of the audit 
process, including an assessment of the 
quality of the audit, the handling of key 
judgements by the auditor, and the auditor’s 
response to questions from the committee

Roderick Corrie
Audit Committee Chair

 ■ Assessed the qualifications, expertise 

and resources, and independence of the 
external auditor and the effectiveness of  
the external audit process

 ■ Evaluated the risks to the quality and 

effectiveness of the financial reporting 
process in the light of the external auditor’s 
communications with the committee 

 ■ Met with the external auditor without 

management being present, to discuss the 
auditor’s remit and any issues arising from 
the audit

 ■ Discussed with the external auditor the 

factors that could affect audit quality and 
reviewed and approved the annual audit 
plan, ensuring it is consistent with the scope 
of the audit engagement, having regard to 
the seniority, expertise and experience of 
the audit team

23

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019GovernanceREMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT

The Remuneration Committee reviews the scale and 
structure of the Executive Directors’ remuneration 
and the terms of their service contracts. 

The remuneration and terms and conditions of 
appointment of the Non-Executive Directors are 
set by the Board.

BJ O’Cathain chairs the committee. CW 
Ahlefeldt-Laurvig, RJHM Corrie and SG Oddie 
are members. The Remuneration Committee 
met twice in the year. 

In setting the remuneration for the Executive 
Directors and key staff, the committee compares 
published remuneration data for other AIM and 
Main LSE Board oil and gas companies of a 
similar market capitalisation and seeks to ensure 
that the remuneration of the Executive Directors 
is broadly comparable to their peers in other 
similarly sized organisations. 

In 2018-19:

 ■ There were no changes to remuneration 

policy, pension rights and any compensation 
payments

 ■ There were no other changes to pay 

and employment conditions across the 
Company or Group, and no salary increases

 ■ An executive bonus scheme was agreed 

and implemented

Brian O’Cathain
Remuneration Committee Chair 

24

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT

The Nominations Committee reviews the  
size, structure and composition of the  
Board and considers succession planning. 

The committee identifies and nominates 
candidates to fill Board vacancies for approval 
of the Board.

 ■ It was re-iterated that we would look  
for a female Board member at the  
next opportunity

SG Oddie chairs the committee. CW Ahlefeldt-
Laurvig, BJ O’Cathain, RJHM Corrie and HGD 
Mackay are members. The Nominations 
Committee met once in 2018-19. 

 ■ The splitting of the FD and Company 
Secretary roles was not considered 
necessary given the current workload

 ■ The committee reviewed succession 

planning and agreed who would step into 
senior roles in the event of an emergency

 ■ The time commitment required of the  

NEDs was considered to be appropriate

Simon Oddie
Nominations Committee Chair

25

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019GovernanceBOARD OF DIRECTORS

OUR STRONG LEADERSHIP

Members of the Board of Directors are 
listed below, including their relevant 
experience, skills and personal qualities.

Committee member key:
A Audit Committee
R  Remuneration Committee
N Nominations Committee
S  Strategy Committee
 Chair of Committee

 Member of Committee

SN

A

SNR

A

SNR

HGD MACKAY
Chief Executive Officer

SG ODDIE
Non-Executive Chairman

CW AHLEFELDT-LAURVIG
Non-Executive Director

Appointed
October 2011

Appointed
January 2018

Appointed
October 2004

Skills and experience
 ■ Hugh, a geologist who joined Europa in 

2011, has a wealth of experience in the oil 
and gas sector, including eight years at BP 
in a variety of roles in the UK, Oman and 
Egypt, then 10 years at Enterprise Oil in 
leadership roles, culminating as head of 
the SE Asia division. Hugh was part of the 
leadership team that sold the Peak Group 
to AGR and founded Avannaa Resources, 
a leading mineral exploration company in 
Greenland which later sold to Cairn Energy

 ■ Hugh has a BSc in Geology from the 

University of Edinburgh and a Sloan MSc in 
Management from London Business School

 ■ Technical skills are maintained through 
membership of the Geological Society, 
Petroleum Exploration Society of Great 
Britain and American Association of 
Petroleum Geologists, Petroleum 
Infrastructure Project and Irish Centre 
for Applied Geosciences. Management 
development is maintained through 
participation as an alumnus of London 
Business School

Skills and experience
 ■ Simon has over 40 years of relevant 
experience as a petroleum engineer, 
technical consultant, manager and 
investment adviser in upstream oil and gas. 
He has worked with Schlumberger, ERC 
Energy Resource Consultants, Enterprise 
Oil and Gemini Oil and Gas Advisors LLP

 ■ He was CEO of Enterprise Italy during its 
first operated exploration drilling both on 
and offshore. Simon more recently was the 
architect of the Gemini Oil and Gas royalty 
funds where he established a solid track 
record in fundraising, investor relations, and 
origination, evaluation and execution of oil 
and gas deals

 ■ He has completed the Advanced 

Management Program (AMP 155) at 
Harvard Business School, holds an MSc. 
in Petroleum Engineering from Imperial 
College and a BSc (First Class) in Electronics 
from Manchester University. Simon keeps 
his skills up-to-date through consultancy 
and participation in key professional 
societies, industry groups, and seminars

Skills and experience
 ■ William helped take Europa onto AIM 

and remains its largest shareholder. He 
started his career at Maersk as a petroleum 
engineer in 1982, followed, in 1987, by IPEC, 
a London based consultancy, where he was 
responsible for field reserves estimations

 ■ In 1990, he became an independent 

consultant, undertaking field and portfolio 
evaluations for acquisitions and field 
development work on a range of projects 
in the North Sea, former Soviet Union and 
Middle East. He was also, in 1991, a founder 
and non-executive Director of IFX Infoforex 
Ltd which was successfully sold in 2000

 ■ William has continued to work as an 

independent consultant petroleum engineer, 
latest in 2013 – 2016 for a client in Norway. 
Outside his oil and gas interests, William is 
currently involved in a new IT start-up which 
will launch late 2019

26

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019LOREM IPSUMG
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

There is an appropriate breadth of experience 
covering the key aspects of the business 
including technical, operational, financial and 
international. The gender balance needs to  
be addressed and is under consideration. 

It is the responsibility of each Director to 
keep skills up to date with the assistance of 
the Chairman who has a core responsibility 
in addressing the development needs of the 
Board as a whole with a view to enhancing  
its overall effectiveness.

Board Committees call on external advisers 
where this is deemed necessary. During  
2018-19 this has not been required.

The main internal advisory functions are 
that of Senior Independent Director (RJHM 
Corrie) and Company Secretary (shared 
with the Finance Director function), whose 
responsibilities are described below.

A

SNR

A

NR

BJ O’CATHAIN
Non-Executive Director

Appointed
January 2018

Skills and experience
 ■ Brian has worked as a geologist and 

petroleum engineer in the oil and gas sector 
since 1984. He began his career with Shell 
International and worked at Enterprise Oil 
and Tullow Oil in senior roles. He served 
as CEO of Afren plc to 2007, and as CEO 
of Petroceltic International plc, until 2016. 
He is a non-executive Director of Eland Oil 
and Gas, an AIM listed company producing 
over 20,000 bopd in Nigeria, and of Nephin 
Energy, a private gas producing company 
which is the largest equity holder in the 
Corrib Gas Field in Ireland. Nephin Energy is 
a 100% subsidiary of Canadian Pension Plan 
Investment Board, one of the world’s largest 
Sovereign Wealth Funds

 ■ His skills include market understanding,  
fund-raising, and the technical, legal and 
financial aspects of running a publicly listed 
Oil and Gas company. He led and negotiated 
the agreed nil-premium merger of Petroceltic 
and Melrose Resources in 2012 

 ■ He holds a BSc (First Class) in Geology 

from the University of Bristol. Brian keeps 
his knowledge and awareness current by 
participation in industry conferences, IOD 
workshops, and by networking with other 
directors and executives in the Oil and  
Gas industry 

RJHM CORRIE
Non-Executive Director and  
Senior Independent Director

P GREENHALGH
Finance Director and  
Company Secretary

Appointed
January 2008

Appointed
January 2008

Skills and experience
 ■ Roderick is a graduate of Cambridge 

University, an Associate of the Chartered 
Institute of Banking and a past member  
of the Securities Institute 

 ■ He has been strategic adviser and financier 

with a variety of companies and holds 
or has held executive or non-executive 
roles in corporate finance, strategic 
advice, TV advertising, financial services, 
health, property, internet services, mineral 
exploration & development, investment and 
manufacturing companies. He has been or 
is a director of three listed companies, two 
of which as CFO as well

 ■ As CFO Roderick was extensively  

vetted by both the European Bank of 
Reconstruction and Development and  
the International Finance Corporation  
for probity and competence. As the  
recent CFO and director of another  
listed company, Roderick is required  
to keep his skills up to date

Skills and experience
 ■ Phil graduated from Imperial College 
with a BEng in chemical engineering 
and subsequently became a member of 
the Chartered Institute of Management 
Accountants

 ■ He began his financial career as Financial 
Controller with Kelco International, a 
subsidiary of Merck & Co. He moved to 
Monsanto plc before becoming Finance 
Director of Pharmacia Ltd through the 
acquisition by Pfizer. He moved to Whatman 
plc, a FTSE 250 company, where he led  
the financing of a €50m company 
acquisition, oversaw a substantial share 
price recovery and was a key player in  
the Whatman turnaround

 ■ Phil joined Europa in 2008 and has used 
his engineering background in his role as 
adviser to the Board on HSE matters. He 
has been extensively involved in farmin / 
farmout negotiations, asset disposals and 
improving the Group’s financial reporting 
and forecasting and regularly attends 
meetings of the UK Onshore Operating 
Group (UKOOG)

27

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019GovernanceDIRECTORS’ REPORT

Business review
A detailed review of the Group’s business is set out in the Chairman’s statement (page 2) and Our strategy (page 6). 

Future developments
Details of expected future developments for the Group are set out in the Chairman’s statement (page 3) and Our strategy (page 6).

Dividends
The Directors do not recommend the payment of a dividend (2018: £nil).

Directors and their interests
The Directors’ interests in the share capital of the Company at 31 July were: 

CW Ahlefeldt-Laurvig1
RJHM Corrie2
P Greenhalgh 
HGD Mackay
BJ O’Cathain
SG Oddie

Number of 
ordinary shares

Number of 
ordinary share options

2019

2018

2019

2018

33,752,442
1,251,631
605,973
5,700,000
250,000
500,000

33,752,442
1,251,631
605,973
4,700,000
—
250,000

—
450,000
4,525,000
11,700,000
1,200,000
1,200,000

—
450,000
4,525,000
11,700,000
1,200,000
1,200,000

1  CW Ahlefeldt-Laurvig holds his shares with HSBC Global Custody Nominee (UK) Limited.
2  RJHM Corrie has interests in 1,062,951 shares held directly, plus 94,720 shares held by Corrie Limited, of which Mr. Corrie is a Director, and 93,960 shares held via a 50% interest in RT Property 

Investments Limited.

Details of the vesting conditions of the Directors’ stock options are included in note 21. 

Directors’ interests in transactions
No Director had, during the year or at the end of the year, other than disclosed above, a material interest in any contract in relation to the Group’s 
activities except in respect of service agreements.

Subject to the conditions set out in the Companies Act 2006, the Company has arranged appropriate Directors’ and Officers’ insurance to indemnify 
the Directors against liability in respect of proceedings brought by third parties. Such provisions remain in force at the date of this report. 

Financial instruments
See note 1 and note 22 to the financial statements.

Related party transactions
See note 25 to the financial statements.

Post reporting date events
See note 26 to the financial statements.

28

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019Capital structure and going concern
Further details on the Group’s capital structure are included in note 20. Comments on going concern are included in the Operations report and  
note 1. The critical assumption in the going concern determination is that the Wressle planning appeal scheduled for 5 November 2019 has a positive 
outcome and production commences at the forecasted rate in 2020. In the absence of incremental production from Wressle in 2020 then additional 
funding by the issuance of shares or sale of assets would be required. If additional funding was not available there is a risk that commitments could 
not be fulfilled, and assets would be relinquished.

Accounting policies
A full list of accounting policies is set out in note 1 to the financial statements. IFRS 15 and IFRS 9 have come into effect in the period. IFRS 15 has no 
material impact on the Group’s revenue recognition (see below). IFRS 9 has resulted in the write down of a portion of the Group’s intercompany loans 
(detailed in note 25).

Disclosure of information to the auditor
In the case of each person who was a Director at the time this report was approved:

 ■ So far as that Director was aware there was no relevant available information of which the Company’s auditor was unaware; and

 ■ That Director had taken all necessary steps to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information, and to establish that the Company’s 

auditors were aware of that information

Auditor
A resolution to re-appoint the auditor, BDO LLP, will be proposed at the next Annual General Meeting.

On behalf of the Board

Phil Greenhalgh
Finance Director

9 October 2019

29

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019Governance 
STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

Directors’ responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. 

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have elected to prepare the 
Group and Company financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union. 
Under Company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of 
affairs of the Group and Company and of the profit or loss of the Group for that year. The Directors are also required to prepare financial statements in 
accordance with the rules of the London Stock Exchange for companies trading securities on the Alternative Investment Market. 

In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:

 ■ Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently

 ■ Make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent

 ■ State whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, subject to any material departures 

disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and

 ■ Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue in business

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company’s transactions and 
disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply 
with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking 
reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Website publication
The Directors are responsible for ensuring the annual report and the financial statements are made available on a website. Financial statements are 
published on the Company’s website in accordance with legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial 
statements, which may vary from legislation in other jurisdictions. The maintenance and integrity of the Company’s website is the responsibility of the 
Directors. The Directors’ responsibility also extends to the ongoing integrity of the financial statements contained therein.

30

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc (the ‘Parent Company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘Group’) for the year 
ended 31 July 2019 which comprise the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the consolidated and Company statements of financial 
position, the consolidated and the Company statements of changes in equity, the consolidated and Company statements of cash flows and notes  
to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the financial statements is applicable law and International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union and, as regards the Parent Company financial statements, as applied in accordance 
with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006.

In our opinion:

 ■ the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the Parent Company’s affairs as at 31 July 2019 and of the 

Group’s loss for the year then ended

 ■ the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union

 ■ the Parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union and as 

applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and

 ■ the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those 
standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent 
of the Group and the Parent Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the 
UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to listed entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these 
requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Material uncertainty related to going concern
We draw attention to note 1 to the financial statements concerning the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern which indicates that the Group  
is reliant on planning permission being granted for the development of the Wressle oil discovery asset and subsequent commencement of production 
at the forecasted rate in 2020. The planning appeal is scheduled for 5 November 2019. In the absence of a timely and positive outcome from this 
planning appeal, additional fundraising would be required to enable the Group to meet its licence commitments. 

The matters explained in note 1 indicate that a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going 
concern. The financial statements do not include the adjustments that would result if the Group was unable to continue as a going concern.

Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter.

We obtained management’s cash flow forecasts for the period to December 2020. We assessed the key underlying assumptions, including oil prices, 
reserves, production and expenditure. In doing so, we considered factors such as actual performance against budget and external market data.

We reviewed management’s sensitivity analysis performed in respect of key assumptions underpinning the forecasts and we performed our own 
sensitivity analysis in respect of key assumptions including reducing the oil price, removing the cash inflows from Wressle and limiting capital 
expenditure to committed levels. 

We noted that the forecast is dependent upon a successful outcome of the Wressle planning appeal and the cash flows which are forecast to be 
generated as a result of the production expected following that successful planning appeal.

We assessed the appropriateness of the disclosures included in the financial statements given in note 1.

31

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019GovernanceREPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR (CONTINUED)

Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the financial statements of the 
current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) we identified, including those 
which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. 
These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not 
provide a separate opinion on these matters.

KEY OBSERVATIONS

Our work has 
identified no instance 
of inappropriate 
impairment conclusions.

Our work has 
identified no instance 
of inappropriate 
impairment conclusions.

MATTER

OUR RESPONSE 

Carrying value of producing assets

As detailed in notes 1 and 
12, the assessment of any 
impairment to the carrying value 
of the three producing fields 
requires significant estimation by 
management. The key estimates 
and judgements include oil price,  
reserves, decline rate, and 
discount rate. 

No impairment has been 
recognised in the year. 
Judgement is required as to 
whether there should be any 
further impairment recognised 
or whether an assessment that 
there has been an increase in 
value should give rise to any 
impairment reversals. 

Carrying value of exploration assets 

The non-producing exploration 
assets of the Group are classified 
as intangible assets within non-
current assets in the statement  
of financial position. As detailed 
in notes 1 and 11, there are 
inherent uncertainties around the 
recoverability of exploration  
and evaluation assets. 

We reviewed management’s discounted cash flow forecasts for each of the 
three producing fields and critically challenged the appropriateness of the 
key estimates and assumptions used by management in the discounted cash 
flow models which included a comparison of oil price forecasts to historical 
achieved data and market outlook reports, recalculation of discount rates and 
comparing cost assumptions to historical data in the year and post year end. 

We reviewed the reserves and decline rates used in the models and compared 
them to the most recent independent competent persons reports and 
assessed the objectivity, competence and independence of those experts as 
well as the suitability of the work of those experts for our purposes.

We reviewed the licences to check whether or not they remain valid.

We challenged management’s sensitivity assessments and performed our 
own sensitivity calculations in respect of oil prices, decline rates and discount 
rate, along with considering the appropriateness of the related disclosures 
given in notes 1 and 12.

We tested a sample of additions to exploration and evaluation assets by 
verifying to third party documentation to confirm whether or not they meet 
the criteria for capitalisation in accordance with accounting standards. 

We reviewed and challenged management’s impairment assessment  
which was carried out in accordance with IFRS 6 in order to determine 
whether management’s assessment that there were no indicators of 
impairment was appropriate.

We confirmed there is an ongoing plan to develop the licence areas and 
verified that the licences remain valid.

Our specific audit testing in this regard included:

 ■ The verification of licence status, in order to confirm legal title.  

This included specific consideration of the developments regarding  
the Irish Government in 2019 and the pending planning permission 
decision at Wressle.

 ■ Reviewing exploration activity to assess whether there was any  

evidence from exploration results to date which would indicate a  
potential impairment.

 ■ Obtaining approved budgets and minutes of Board meetings to  

confirm whether or not the Group intended to continue to explore  
specific licences.

 ■ Obtaining an understanding of management’s expectation of commercial 
viability, reviewing any available technical documentation and discussing 
results and operations.

We challenged management’s assessment of whether or not the post 
balance sheet announcement by the Irish Government as disclosed in note 
26 is an indicator of impairment.

We assessed the appropriateness of the disclosures included in the financial 
statements given in notes 1 and 11.

32

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
Our application of materiality

GROUP MATERIALITY

£182,000 (2018: £133,000)

PARENT COMPANY

£51,000 (2018: £21,000)

BASIS FOR MATERIALITY

Materiality has been based on 1.5% of total 
assets. We consider total assets to be the 
most appropriate basis for materiality given 
the Group is focused on exploration and 
development. 

We apply the concept of materiality both in planning and performing our audit, and in evaluating the effect of misstatements. We consider materiality 
to be the magnitude by which misstatements, including omissions, could influence the economic decisions of reasonable users that are taken on 
the basis of the financial statements. Importantly, misstatements below these levels will not necessarily be evaluated as immaterial as we also take 
account of the nature of identified misstatements, and the particular circumstances of their occurrence, when evaluating their effect on the financial 
statements as a whole. 

Performance materiality is the application of materiality at the individual account or balance level set at an amount to reduce to an appropriately  
low level the probability that the aggregate of uncorrected and undetected misstatements exceeds materiality for the financial statements as a  
whole. Performance materiality was set at £136,500 (2018: £100,000) for the Group and at £38,250 (2018: £15,750) for the Parent Company, which 
represents 75% (2018: 75%) of the above materiality levels.

Whilst materiality for the financial statements as a whole was £182,000, each significant component of the Group was audited to a lower level  
of materiality ranging from £22,300 to £111,000. We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to the Committee all individual audit 
differences identified during the course of our audit in excess of £3,880 (2018: £6,650). We also agreed to report differences below these thresholds  
that, in our view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds.

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to the committee all individual audit differences identified during the course of our audit 
in excess of £4,000. There were no misstatements identified during the course of our audit that were individually, or in aggregate, considered to be 
material in terms of their absolute monetary value or on qualitative grounds. 

An overview of the scope of our audit
Our Group audit scope focused on the Group’s principal four operating subsidiaries, Europa Oil & Gas Limited, Europa Oil & Gas (Ireland West) 
Limited, Europa Oil & Gas (Ireland East) Limited and Europa Oil & Gas (Inishkea) Limited, all being located in the UK, which were all subject to full 
scope audits. Together with the Parent Company which was also subject to a full scope audit, these represent the significant components of the 
Group. All of the components were audited by BDO UK LLP and 100% of the Group’s revenue, 98% of total assets and 91% of loss before tax were 
subject to audit.

The remaining four components of the Group were considered non-significant based on their relative size and risk. These components were 
principally subject to analytical review procedures to confirm there are no significant risks of material misstatements within these components.

Other information
The Directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the 
financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the 
extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the 
other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially 
misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material 
misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude 
that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

33

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019GovernanceREPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR (CONTINUED)

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

 ■ the information given in the strategic report and the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is 

consistent with the financial statements; and

 ■ the strategic report and the Directors’ Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and the Parent Company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit,  
we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the Directors’ Report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if,  
in our opinion:

 ■ adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Parent Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from  

branches not visited by us; or

 ■ the Parent Company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

 ■ certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or 

 ■ we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit

Responsibilities of Directors
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities set out on page 30, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the 
financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Directors determine is necessary to 
enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s and the Parent Company’s ability to continue as a going 
concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Directors either 
intend to liquidate the Group or the Parent Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether 
due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a 
guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists.

Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to 
influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at:  
www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Use of our report
This report is made solely to the Parent Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our 
audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Parent Company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an 
auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than  
the Parent Company and the Parent Company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Jack Draycott (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of BDO LLP, Statutory Auditor
London 
9 October 2019

BDO LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales (with registered number OC305127).

34

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY)

Revenue

Cost of sales
Impairment of producing fields
Exploration write-back/(write-off)

Total cost of sales
Gross profit/(loss)

Administrative expenses
Finance income
Finance expense
Loss before taxation

Taxation charge 

Loss for the year

Other comprehensive income
Items which will not be reclassified to profit/(loss)
Loss on investment revaluation

Total other comprehensive loss

Total comprehensive loss for the year attributable to the equity shareholders of the parent

Earnings per share (EPS) attributable to the equity shareholders of the parent
Basic and diluted EPS 

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

Note

2

2
12
11

6
7
3

8

9

Note

10

2019
£000

1,713

(1,682)
—
270

(1,412)
301

(811)
43
(187)
(654)

—

(654)

(59)

(59)

(713)

Pence 
per share

2018
£000

1,634

(1,365)
(142)
(1,289)

(2,796)
(1,162)

(967)
10
(171)
(2,290)

(341)

(2,631)

—

—

(2,631)

Pence 
per share

(0.17)p

(0.87)p

35

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019Financial Statements 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (AS AT 31 JULY)

Assets
Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment

Total non-current assets

Current assets
Investments
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Restricted cash
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Long-term provisions

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Capital and reserves attributable to equity holders of the parent 
Share capital
Share premium 
Merger reserve
Retained deficit

Total equity

Note

2019
£000

2018
£000

11
12

13
14
15
16

17

19

20
20
20

7,818
575

8,393

241
19
315
251
2,905

3,731

12,124

(1,086)

(1,086)

(2,917)

(2,917)

(4,003)

8,121

4,447
21,010
2,868
(20,204)

8,121

5,959
668

6,627

—
20
471
—
1,771

2,262

8,889

(1,299)

(1,299)

(2,735)

(2,735)

(4,034)

4,855

3,014
18,481
2,868
(19,508)

4,855

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 9 October 2019 and signed on its behalf by: 

Phil Greenhalgh
Finance Director

Company registration number 5217946
The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

36

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

Balance at 1 August 2017

Comprehensive loss for the year
Loss for the year attributable to the equity shareholders of the parent

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Contributions by and distributions to owners
Share-based payments (note 21)

Total contributions by and distributions to owners

Balance at 31 July 2018

Balance at 1 August 2018

Comprehensive loss for the year
Loss for the year attributable to the equity shareholders of the parent
Other comprehensive loss attributable to the equity shareholders of the parent

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Contributions by and distributions to owners
Issue of share capital
Issue of share options (note 21)
Share-based payments (note 21)

Total contributions by and distributions to owners

Balance at 31 July 2019

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

Attributable to the equity holders of the parent

Share 
capital
£000

3,014

Share 
premium
£000

18,481

Merger 
reserve
£000

Retained 
deficit
£000

2,868

(16,888)

Total 
equity
£000

7,475

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(2,631)

(2,631)

(2,631)

(2,631)

11

11

11

11

3,014

18,481

2,868

(19,508)

4,855

3,014

18,481

2,868

(19,508)

4,855

—
—

—

1,433
—
—

1,433

4,447

—
—

—

2,546
(17)
—

2,529

21,010

—
—

—

—
—
—

—

(654)
(59)

(713)

—
17
—

17

2,868

(20,204)

(654)
(59)

(713)

3,979
—
—

3,979

8,121

37

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019Financial Statements 
COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (AS AT 31 JULY)

Assets
Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investments
Amounts due from Group companies

Total non-current assets

Current assets
Other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Total current assets

Total assets

Liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables

Total current liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Capital and reserves attributable to equity holders of the parent
Share capital
Share premium
Merger reserve
Retained deficit

Total equity

Note

11
12
13
25

15

17

20
20
20

2019
£000

2018
£000

302
1
2,341
1,038

3,682

79
2,553

2,632

6,314

(660)

(660)

—

(660)

5,654

4,447
21,010
2,868
(22,671)

5,654

198
1
2,341
2,139

4,679

83
806

889

5,568

(688)

(688)

—

(688)

4,880

3,014
18,481
2,868
(19,483)

4,880

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption provided under Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to publish its individual  
statement of comprehensive income and related notes. The loss dealt with in the financial statements of the Parent Company is £1,772,000  
(2018: loss of £1,585,000). 

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 9 October 2019 and signed on its behalf by: 

Phil Greenhalgh
Finance Director

Company registration number 5217946
The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements. 

38

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 

Balance at 1 August 2017
Comprehensive loss for the year
Loss for the year attributable to the equity shareholders of the parent

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Contributions by and distributions to owners
Share-based payments (note 21)

Total contributions by and distributions to owners

Balance at 31 July 2018

Balance at 1 August 2018 originally stated
Change in accounting policy IFRS 9
Balance at 1 August restated
Comprehensive loss for the year
Loss for the year attributable to the equity shareholders of the parent

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Contributions by and distributions to owners
Issue of share capital
Issue of share options (note 21)
Share-based payments (note 21)

Total contributions by and distributions to owners

Balance at 31 July 2019

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

Share 
capital
£000

3,014

Share 
premium
£000

18,481

Merger 
reserve
£000

2,868

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Retained 
deficit
£000

(17,909)

(1,585)

(1,585)

11

11

Total 
equity
£000

6,454

(1,585)

(1,585)

11

11

3,014

18,481

2,868

(19,483)

4,880

3,014
—
3,014

—

—

1,433
—
—

1,433

4,447

18,481
—
18,481

—

—

2,546
(17)
—

2,529

21,010

2,868
—
2,868

—

—

—
—
—

—

(19,483)
(1,433)
(20,916)

(1,772)

(1,772)

—
17
—

17

2,868

(22,671)

4,880
(1,433)
3,447

(1,772)

(1,772)

3,979
—
—

3,979

5,654

39

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019Financial StatementsNote

2019
£000

2018
£000

(654)

(2,631)

21
12
12
11
6
7
8

16

20

—
94
—
(270)
(43)
187
—
7
1
17

(661)
—

(661)

(1)
(1,973)
(251)
(8)
16

(2,217)

4,299
(320)
—
(5)

3,974

1,096
38
1,771

2,905

11
72
142
1,289
(10)
171
341
69
(6)
73

(479)
—

(479)

—
(1,336)
—
—
10

(1,326)

—
—
(16)
(3)

(19)

(1,824)
4
3,591

1,771

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY)

Cash flows used in operating activities
Loss after tax from continuing operations
Adjustments for:

Share-based payments
Depreciation 
Impairment of producing field
Exploration (write back)/write-off
Finance income
Finance expense
Taxation charge
Decrease in trade and other receivables
Decrease/(increase) in inventories
Increase in trade and other payables

Net cash used in operations
Income taxes paid

Net cash used in operating activities

Cash flows used in investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of intangible assets
Cash guarantee re Morocco
Sale of part interest in licence – associated costs
Interest received

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from/(used in) financing activities
Gross proceeds from issue of share capital
Costs incurred on issue of share capital
Decrease in payables relating to share capital issue costs
Finance costs

Net cash from/(used in) financing activities

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Exchange gain on cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

40

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019COMPANY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY)

Cash flows used in operating activities
Loss after tax from continuing operations
Adjustments for:

Share-based payments
Depreciation
Exploration write off
Movement in intercompany loan provision
Finance income
Finance expense
Decrease in trade and other receivables
Increase in trade and other payables

Net cash used in operating activities

Cash flows used in investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of intangible assets
Movement on loans to Group companies
Interest received

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from/(used in) financing activities
Gross proceeds from issue of share capital
Costs incurred on issue of share capital
Decrease in payables relating to issue of share capital
Finance costs

Net cash from/(used in) financing activities

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Exchange gain on cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

Note

2019
£000

2018
£000

(1,772)

(1,585)

21
12
11
22

20
20

—
1
—
2,164
(638)
2
4
33

(206)

(1)
(200)
(1,845)
8

(2,038)

4,299
(320)
—
(2)

3,977

1,733
14
806

2,553

11
2
97
1,791
(532)
4
73
59

(80)

—
(372)
(1,593)
4

(1,961)

—
—
(16)
—

(16)

(2,057)
—
2,863

806

41

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019Financial StatementsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

1. Accounting policies
General information
Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc is a Company incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales with registered number 5217946. The address of the 
registered office is 6 Porter Street, London, W1U 6DD. The Company’s administrative office is at the same address.

The functional and presentational currency of the Company is Sterling (UK£).

Basis of accounting
The consolidated and individual Company financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the EU. The policies have not changed from the previous year.

Exploration and evaluation assets are measured at historical cost and tested at least twice annually for impairment. Internally generated intangibles 
are measured at historic cost.

The accounting policies that have been applied in the opening statement of financial position have also been applied throughout all periods 
presented in these financial statements. These accounting policies comply with each IFRS that is mandatory for accounting periods ending  
on 31 July 2019.

Going concern
The Directors have prepared a cash flow forecast for the period ending 31 December 2020, which considers the continuing and forecast cash inflow 
from the Group’s producing assets, the cash held by the Group at the year end, less administrative expenses and planned capital expenditure. The 
Directors have concluded, at the time of approving the financial statements, that there is a reasonable expectation, based on the Group’s cash flow 
forecasts, that the forecasts are achievable and accordingly the Group will be able to continue as a going concern and meet its obligations as and 
when they fall due. The critical assumption in reaching that conclusion is that the Wressle planning appeal scheduled for 5 November 2019 has 
a positive outcome and production commences at the forecasted rate in 2020. In the absence of incremental production from Wressle in 2020 
then additional funding by the issuance of shares or sale of assets would be required. If additional funding was not available there is a risk that 
commitments could not be fulfilled, and assets would be relinquished.

The ability of the Group to continue as a going concern is dependent on achieving the matters set out above. These conditions indicate a material 
uncertainty which may cast significant doubt as to the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern and therefore it may be unable to realise its 
assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business. These financial statements do not include the adjustments that would result if  
the Group was unable to continue as a going concern.

Accounting standards adopted in the period
IFRS 15 and IFRS 9 have come into effect in the period. IFRS 15 has no material impact on the Group’s revenue recognition (see below). IFRS 9 has 
resulted in the write down of a portion of the Group’s intercompany loans (detailed in notes 22 and 25).

Accounting standards to be adopted in future periods
Adoption of IFRS 16 will result in the Group recognising right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for all contracts that are, or contain, a lease. For leases 
currently classified as operating leases, under current accounting requirements the Group does not recognise related assets or liabilities, and instead 
spreads the lease payments on a straight-line basis over the lease term, disclosing in its annual financial statements the total commitment.

The Board has decided it will apply the modified retrospective adoption method in IFRS 16, and, therefore, will only recognise leases on balance 
sheet as at 1 August 2019. In addition, it has decided to measure right-of-use assets by reference to the measurement of the lease liability on that 
date. This will ensure there is no immediate impact to net assets on that date.

Instead of recognising an operating expense for its operating lease payments, the Group will instead recognise interest on its lease liabilities and 
amortisation on its right-of-use assets.

Basis of consolidation
Where the Company has control over an investee, it is classified as a subsidiary. The Company controls an investee if all three of the following 
elements are present: power over the investee, exposure to variable returns from the investee, and the ability of the investor to use its power to affect 
those variable returns. Control is reassessed whenever facts and circumstances indicate that there may be a change in any of these elements of 
control. Intra Group balances are eliminated on consolidation. Unrealised gains on transactions between the Group and its subsidiaries are eliminated. 
Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. Amounts reported in the 
financial statements of subsidiaries have been adjusted where necessary to ensure consistency with the accounting policies adopted by the Group.

The Group is engaged in oil and gas exploration, development and production through unincorporated joint ventures.

42

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 20191. Accounting policies (continued)
Joint arrangements
Joint arrangements are those arrangements in which the Group holds an interest on a long-term basis which are jointly controlled by the Group  
and one or more venturers under a contractual arrangement. When these arrangements do not constitute entities in their own right, the consolidated 
financial statements reflect the relevant proportion of costs, revenues, assets and liabilities applicable to the Group’s interests in accordance with  
IFRS 11. The Group’s exploration, development and production activities are presently conducted jointly with other companies in this way.

For the licences where the Group does not hold 100% equity (refer to the licence interests table on page 5) a joint arrangement exists. The equity 
and voting interest of the Group is disclosed in the table, activities are typical for activities in the oil and gas sector and are strategic to the Group’s 
activities. The principal place of business for all the joint arrangements is the UK.

Revenue recognition
The Group has adopted IFRS 15 from 1 August 2018. The standard provides a single comprehensive model for revenue recognition. The Group has 
elected to apply the modified retrospective method. The core principle of the standard is that an entity shall recognise revenue when control passes 
on the transfer of promised goods or services to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in 
exchange for those goods or services. The standard introduced a new contract-based revenue recognition model with a measurement approach that 
is based on an allocation of the transaction price. This is described further in the accounting policies below. Contracts with customers are presented 
in an entity’s balance sheet as a contract liability, a contract asset, or a receivable, depending on the relationship between the entity’s performance 
and the customer’s payment. The Group’s accounting policy under IFRS 15 is that revenue is recognised when the Group satisfies a performance 
obligation by transferring oil to a customer. The title to oil and gas typically transfers to a customer at the same time as the customer takes physical 
possession of the oil or gas. Typically, at this point in time, the performance obligations of the Group are fully satisfied. The accounting for revenue 
under IFRS 15 does not, therefore, represent a substantive change from the Group’s previous accounting.

Revenue is measured based on the consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled under the terms of a contract with a customer.  
The consideration is determined by the quantity and price of oil and gas delivered to the customer at the end of each month.

Non-current assets
Oil and gas interests
The financial statements with regard to oil and gas exploration and appraisal expenditure have been prepared under the full cost basis. This accords 
with IFRS 6 which permits the continued application of a previously adopted accounting policy. The unit of account for exploration and evaluation 
assets is the individual licence.

Pre-production assets
Pre-production assets are categorised as intangible assets on the statement of financial position. Pre-licence expenditure is expensed as directed  
by IFRS 6. Expenditure on licence acquisition costs, geological and geophysical costs, costs of drilling exploration, appraisal and development  
wells, and an appropriate share of overheads (including Directors’ costs) are capitalised and accumulated on a licence by licence basis. These 
costs which relate to the exploration, appraisal and development of oil and gas interests are initially held as intangible non-current assets pending 
determination of technical feasibility and commercial viability. On commencement of production these costs are tested for impairment prior to transfer 
to production assets. If licences are relinquished, or assets are not deemed technically feasible or commercially viable, accumulated costs are written 
off to cost of sales. 

Production assets
Production assets are categorised within property, plant and equipment on the statement of financial position. With the determination of commercial 
viability and approval of an oil and gas project the related pre-production assets are transferred from intangible non-current assets to tangible  
non-current assets and depreciated upon commencement of production within the appropriate cash generating unit. 

43

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019Financial StatementsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

1. Accounting policies (continued)
Non-current assets (continued)
Impairment tests
For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows  
(cash generating units) as disclosed in notes 11 and 12. As a result, some assets are tested individually for impairment and some are tested  
at cash generating unit level.

Impairment tests are performed when indicators as described in IFRS 6 are identified. In addition, indicators such as a lack of funding or farmout 
options for a licence which is approaching termination or the implied value of a farmout transaction are considered as indicators of impairment.

An impairment loss is recognised and charged to cost of sales for the amount by which the asset’s or cash generating unit’s carrying amount exceeds 
its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value, reflecting market conditions less costs to sell, and value in use based on 
an internal discounted cash flow evaluation. All assets are subsequently reassessed for indications that an impairment loss previously recognised  
may no longer exist.

Property, plant and equipment
Items of property, plant and equipment are initially recognised at cost. As well as the purchase price, cost includes directly attributable costs and 
the estimated present value of any future unavoidable costs of dismantling and removing items. The corresponding liability is recognised within 
provisions.

Depreciation
All expenditure within tangible non-current assets is depreciated from the commencement of production, on a unit of production basis, which is the 
ratio of oil and gas production in the period to the estimated quantities of proven plus probable commercial reserves at the end of the period, plus  
the production in the period. Costs used in the unit of production calculation comprise the net book value of capitalised costs plus the estimated 
future field development costs within each licence. Changes in the estimates of commercial reserves or future field development costs are dealt  
with prospectively. 

Furniture and computers are depreciated on a 25% per annum straight line basis.

Reserves
Proven and probable oil and gas reserves are estimated quantities of commercially producible hydrocarbons which the existing geological, 
geophysical and engineering data shows to be recoverable in future years. The proven reserves included herein conform to the definition approved 
by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and the World Petroleum Congress (WPC). The probable and possible reserves conform to definitions  
of probable and possible approved by the SPE/WPC using the deterministic methodology. Reserves used in accounting estimates for depreciation  
are updated periodically to reflect management’s view of reserves in conjunction with third party formal reports. Reserves are reviewed at the time  
of formal updates or as a consequence of operational performance, plans and the business environment at that time.

Reserves are adjusted in the year that formal updates are undertaken or as a consequence of operational performance and plans, and the business 
environment at that time, with any resulting changes not applied retrospectively. 

Future decommissioning costs
A provision for decommissioning is recognised in full at the point that the Group has an obligation to decommission an appraisal, development 
or producing well. A corresponding non-current asset (included within producing fields in note 12) of an amount equivalent to the provision is 
also created. The amount recognised is the estimated cost of decommissioning, discounted to its net present value and is reassessed each year 
in accordance with local conditions and requirements. For producing wells, the asset is subsequently depreciated as part of the capital costs of 
production facilities within tangible non-current assets, on a unit of production basis. Any decommissioning obligation in respect of a pre-production 
asset is carried forward as part of its cost and tested annually for impairment in accordance with the above policy.

Changes in the estimates of commercial reserves or decommissioning cost estimates are dealt with prospectively by recording an adjustment  
to the provision, and a corresponding adjustment to the decommissioning asset. The unwinding of the discount on the decommissioning provision  
is included within finance expense.

44

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 20191. Accounting policies (continued)
Acquisitions of exploration licences 
Acquisitions of exploration licences through acquisition of non-operational corporate structures that do not represent a business, and therefore do not 
meet the definition of a business combination, are accounted for as the acquisition of an asset. Related future consideration that is contingent is not 
recognised as an asset or liability until the contingent event has occurred.

Taxation
Current tax is the tax payable based on taxable profit/(loss) for the year.

Deferred income taxes are calculated using the balance sheet liability method on temporary differences. Deferred tax is generally provided on the 
difference between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. However, deferred tax is not provided on the initial recognition 
of goodwill, nor on the initial recognition of an asset or liability unless the related transaction is a business combination or affects tax or accounting 
profit. Deferred tax on temporary differences associated with shares in subsidiaries and joint ventures is not provided if reversal of these temporary 
differences can be controlled by the Group and it is probable that reversal will not occur in the foreseeable future. Tax losses available to be carried 
forward as well as other income tax credits to the Group are assessed for recognition as deferred tax assets.

Deferred tax liabilities are provided in full, with no discounting. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that the underlying 
deductible temporary difference will be able to be offset against future taxable income. Current and deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated  
at tax rates that are expected to apply to their respective period of realisation, provided they are enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.

Changes in deferred tax assets or liabilities are recognised as a component of tax expense in the statement of comprehensive income, except where 
they relate to items that are charged or credited directly to equity in which case the related deferred tax is also charged or credited directly to equity.

Foreign currency
The Group and Company prepare their financial statements in Sterling. 

Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rates of exchange ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and 
liabilities in foreign currencies are translated at the rates of exchange ruling at the reporting date. Non-monetary items that are measured at historical 
cost in a foreign currency are translated at the exchange rate at the date of transaction. Non-monetary items that are measured at fair value in a 
foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the date the fair value was determined.

Any exchange differences arising on the settlement of items or on translating items at rates different from those at which they were initially recorded 
are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income in the period in which they arise. Exchange differences on non-monetary items are 
recognised in the statement of changes in equity to the extent that they relate to a gain or loss on that non-monetary item taken to the statement  
of changes in equity, otherwise such gains and losses are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income.

Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc is domiciled in the UK, which is its primary economic environment and the Company’s functional currency is Sterling. 
The Group’s current operations are based in the UK and Ireland and the functional currencies of the Group’s entities are the prevailing local 
currencies in each jurisdiction. Given that the functional currency of the Company is Sterling, management has elected to continue to present the 
consolidated financial statements of the Group and Company in Sterling.

Investments
Investments, which are only investments in subsidiaries, are carried at cost less any impairment. Additions include the net value of share options 
issued to employees of subsidiary companies less any lapsed, unvested options.

45

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019Financial StatementsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

1. Accounting policies (continued)
IFRS 9
IFRS 9 replaces the provisions of IAS 39 that relate to the recognition, classification and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities, 
derecognition of financial instruments, impairment of financial assets and hedge accounting. The adoption of IFRS 9 from 1 August 2018 resulted in 
changes in accounting policies but there were no adjustments to the amounts recognised in the financial statements. The Group has elected to  
apply the modified retrospective method.

The table below shows the new classification of financial assets on adoption of IFRS 9 compared to IAS 39.

Financial assets
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash

Original classification under IAS 39
Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables

New classification under IFRS 9
Amortised cost
Amortised cost
Amortised cost

Change in carrying amount
No impact
No impact
No impact

Impairment of financial assets 
IFRS 9 replaces the ‘incurred loss’ model in IAS 39 with an ‘expected credit loss’ (‘ECL’) model. The new impairment model applies to financial assets 
measured at amortised cost, contract assets and debt investments at FVOCI, but not to investments in equity instruments. 

For trade receivables, a simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses using a lifetime expected loss allowance is available. The Group’s 
trade receivables are generally settled on a short time frame without material credit risk concerns at the time of transition, so this change in policy had 
no impact on the amounts recognised in the financial statements. 

Management assessed which business models apply to the financial assets held by the Company and has classified its financial instruments into the 
appropriate IFRS 9 categories. This had the effect of reclassifying the loans to subsidiary undertakings from loans and receivables to financial assets 
at amortised cost but had no impact on the measurement of the loans or on equity.

Loans to subsidiary undertakings are subject to IFRS 9’s new expected credit loss model. Lifetime ECLs are determined using all relevant, reasonable 
and supportable historical, current and forward-looking information that provides evidence about the risk that the subsidiaries will default on the loan 
and the amount of losses that would arise as a result of that default. Success rates of the projects indicated that 33% of each loan will be recovered. 
ECLs of 67% on the loans made to subsidiaries have been recognised in the current period (note 22).

Financial instruments 
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the statement of financial position when the Group becomes a party to the contractual 
provisions of the instrument. The below policy has been updated for the year to 31 July 2019 in line with the adoption of IFRS 9. See above  
for further details.

Financial assets 
Financial assets are classified as either financial assets at amortised cost, at fair value through other comprehensive income (‘FVOCI’) or at fair  
value through profit or loss (‘FVPL’) depending upon the business model for managing the financial assets and the nature of the contractual cash  
flow characteristics of the financial asset.

A loss allowance for expected credit losses is determined for all financial assets, other than those at FVPL, at the end of each reporting period.  
The Group applies a simplified approach to measure the credit loss allowance for trade receivables using the lifetime expected credit loss provision. 
The lifetime expected credit loss is evaluated for each trade receivable taking into account payment history, payments made subsequent to year 
end and prior to reporting, past default experience and the impact of any other relevant and current observable data. The Group applies a general 
approach on all other receivables classified as financial assets. The general approach recognises lifetime expected credit losses when there has 
been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition.

The Group derecognises a financial asset when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or when it transfers the financial asset 
and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset to another party. The Group derecognises financial liabilities when the Group’s 
obligations are discharged, cancelled or have expired.

46

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 20191. Accounting policies (continued) 
Fair value through other comprehensive income
The Group has a number of strategic investments in listed and unlisted entities which are not accounted for as subsidiaries, associates or jointly 
controlled entities. For those investments, the Group has made an irrevocable election to classify the investments at fair value through other 
comprehensive income rather than through profit or loss as the Group considers this measurement to be the most representative of the business 
model for these assets. They are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in the 
fair value through other comprehensive income reserve. Upon disposal any balance within fair value through other comprehensive income reserve  
is reclassified directly to retained earnings and is not reclassified to profit or loss.

Dividends are recognised in profit or loss, unless the dividend clearly represents a recovery of part of the cost of the investment, in which case the  
full or partial amount of the dividend is recorded against the associated investment’s carrying amount.

Purchases and sales of financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income are recognised on settlement date with any 
change in fair value between trade date and settlement date being recognised in the fair value through other comprehensive income reserve.

Amortised cost 
This category is the most relevant to the Company. Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments  
that are not quoted in an active market. The losses arising from impairment are recognised in the statement of profit or loss in finance costs for loans 
and in cost of sales or other operating expenses for receivables. 

This category generally applies to trade and other receivables.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are carried at cost and include all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less. 

Restricted cash are those amounts held by third parties on behalf of the Group and are not available for the Group’s use; these are accounted for 
separately from cash and cash equivalents.

Financial liabilities 
The classification of financial liabilities at initial recognition depends on the purpose for which the financial liability was issued and its characteristics. 
All purchases of financial liabilities are recorded on trade date, being the date on which the Group becomes party to the contractual requirements of 
the financial liability. Unless otherwise indicated the carrying amounts of the Group’s financial liabilities approximate to their fair values. The Group’s 
financial liabilities consist of financial liabilities measured at amortised cost and financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss.

Trade and other payables 
Trade and other payables are initially recorded at fair value and subsequently carried at amortised cost. 

Derecognition of financial liabilities 
A financial liability (in whole or in part) is derecognised when the Group has extinguished its contractual obligations, it expires or is cancelled.  
Any gain or loss on derecognition is taken to the statement of comprehensive income. 

Treatment of finance costs
All finance costs are expensed through the income statement. The Group does not incur any finance costs that qualify for capitalisation.

Defined contribution pension schemes
The pension costs charged against profits are the contributions payable to the scheme in respect of the accounting period.

Inventories
Inventories comprise oil in tanks stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined by reference to the actual cost of production 
in the period.

47

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019Financial Statements 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

1. Accounting policies (continued)
Share-based payments
All goods and services received in exchange for the grant of any share-based payment are measured at their fair values. Where employees are 
rewarded using share-based payments, the fair values of employees’ services are determined indirectly by reference to the fair value of the 
instrument granted to the employee. This fair value is appraised at the grant date and excludes the impact of non-market vesting conditions  
(for example, profitability and sales growth targets).

All equity-settled share-based payments are ultimately recognised as an expense in the statement of comprehensive income with a corresponding 
credit to reserves. Where options over the Parent Company’s shares are granted to employees of subsidiaries of the parent, the charge is recognised 
in the statement of comprehensive income of the subsidiary. In the Parent Company accounts there is an increase in the cost of the investment in the 
subsidiary receiving the benefit. 

If vesting periods or other non-market vesting conditions apply, the expense is allocated over the vesting period, based on the best available estimate 
of the number of share options expected to vest. Estimates are subsequently revised if there is any indication that the number of share options 
expected to vest differs from previous estimates. Any cumulative adjustment prior to vesting is recognised in the current period. No adjustment  
is made to any expense recognised in prior periods if the number of share options ultimately exercised is different to that initially estimated.

Upon exercise of share options, the proceeds received, net of attributable transaction costs, are credited to share capital, and where appropriate 
share premium.

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
Details of the Group’s significant accounting judgements and critical accounting estimates are set out in these financial statements and include:

 ■ Going concern – the critical assumption is that the Wressle planning appeal scheduled for 5 November 2019 has a positive outcome and 

production commences at the forecasted rate in 2020. See note 1 Going concern disclosures for further information

 ■ Carrying value of intangible assets (note 11) – carrying values are justified with reference to indicators of impairment as set out in IFRS 6. Based  
on judgements at 31 July 2019, no impairment was recognised (2018: the investment in securing planning permission to drill the Holmwood well 
from the Bury Hill Wood site was written off). (Please see pages 10, 11 and 12 respectively for the conclusions reached as to why no impairment  
was recognised regarding the renewal date of the FEL 3/13 licence, government announcements of the future of Irish offshore oil exploration  
and PEDL180 & 182 (Wressle)) 

 ■ Carrying value of property, plant and equipment (note 12) – carrying values are justified by reference to future estimates of cash flows, discounted 

at appropriate rates

 ■ Deferred taxation (note 18) – assumptions regarding the future profitability of the Group and whether the deferred tax assets will be recovered

 ■ Decommissioning provision (note 19) – inflation and discount rate estimates (2% and 10% respectively) are used in calculating the provision, along 

with third party estimates of remediation costs

48

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 20192. Operating segment analysis
In the opinion of the Directors the Group has three reportable segments as reported to the Chief Executive Officer, being the UK, Ireland and  
new ventures. 

The reporting on these segments to management focuses on revenue, operating costs and capital expenditure. The impact of such criteria is 
discussed further in the Chairman’s statement and strategic report of this annual report. 

Income statement for the year ended 31 July 2019

Revenue

Cost of sales
Impairment of producing fields
Exploration write-back/(write-off)

Cost of sales

Gross profit
Administrative expenses
Finance income
Finance costs

Loss before tax
Taxation

Loss for the year

Segmental assets and liabilities as at 31 July 2019

Non-current assets
Current assets

Total assets

Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities

Total liabilities

Other segment items
Capital expenditure
Depreciation
Share-based payments

UK
£000

1,713

(1,682)
—
270

(1,412)

301
(653)
43
(187)

(496)
—

(496)

UK
£000

3,661
3,718

7,379

(2,917)
(373)

(3,290)

164
94
—

Ireland
£000

New ventures
£000

—

—
—
—

—

—
—
—
—

—
—

—

Ireland
£000

4,732
13

4,745

—
(709)

(709)

1,809
—
—

—

—
—
—

—

—
(158)
—
—

(158)
—

(158)

New Ventures
£000

—
—

—

—
(4)

(4)

—
—
—

Total
£000

1,713

(1,682)
—
270

(1,412)

301
(811)
43
(187)

(654)
—

(654)

Total
£000

8,393
3,731

12,124

(2,917)
(1,086)

(4,003)

1,973
94
—

49

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019Financial StatementsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

2. Operating segment analysis (continued)
Income statement for the year ended 31 July 2018

Revenue

Cost of sales
Impairment of producing fields
Exploration write-off

Cost of sales

Gross loss
Administrative expenses
Finance income
Finance costs

Loss before tax
Taxation

Loss for the year

Segmental assets and liabilities as at 31 July 2018

Non-current assets
Current assets

Total assets

Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities

Total liabilities

Other segment items
Capital expenditure
Depreciation
Share-based payments

UK
£000

1,634

(1,365)
(142)
(1,192)

(2,699)

(1,065)
(738)
10
(171)

(1,964)
(341)

(2,305)

UK
£000

3,632
2,262

5,894

(2,735)
(520)

(3,255)

762
72
11

Ireland
£000

New ventures
£000

—

—
—
(97)

(97)

(97)
—
—
—

(97)
—

(97)

Ireland
£000

2,995
—

2,995

—
(779)

(779)

574
—
—

—

—
—
—

—

—
(229)
—
—

(229)
—

(229)

New Ventures
£’000

—
—

—

—
—

—

—
—
—

Total
£000

1,634

(1,365)
(142)
(1,289)

(2,796)

(1,162)
(967)
10
(171)

(2,290)
(341)

(2,631)

Total
£000

6,627
2,262

8,889

(2,735)
(1,299)

(4,034)

1,336
72
11

100% of the total revenue (2018: 100%) relates to UK based customers. Of this figure, one single customer (2018: one) commands more than 99%  
of the total. UK revenue by site was as follows: West Firsby £617,000 (2018: £643,000); Crosby Warren £489,000 (2018: £397,000); and Whisby 
£607,000 (2018: £594,000).

3. Loss before taxation
Loss before taxation is stated after charging:

Depreciation on property, plant & equipment
Staff costs including Directors
Diesel
Business rates
Site safety and security
Impairment of producing fields
Exploration (write-back)/write-off
Fees payable to the auditor for the audit
Operating leases – land and buildings
Amount of inventory recognised as an expense
Foreign exchange loss

50

Note

12
5

12
11

2019
£000

94
991
123
60
132
—
(270)
47
96
2
—

2018
£000

72
907
88
65
50
142
1,289
51
95
—
3

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 20194. Directors’ emoluments
Directors’ salaries and fees – Company and Group 

CW Ahlefeldt-Laurvig
C Bousfield (resigned 25 January 2018)
RJHM Corrie
P Greenhalgh
HGD Mackay 
BJ O’Cathain (appointed 25 January 2018)
SG Oddie (appointed 25 January 2018)

Directors’ pensions
P Greenhalgh
HGD Mackay

The above charge represents premiums paid to money purchase pension plans during the year. 

Directors’ share-based payments

BJ O’Cathain (appointed 25 January 2018)
SG Oddie (appointed 25 January 2018)

2019
£000

25
—
25
139
185
25
40

439

20
19

39

2019
£000

—
—

—

The above represents the accounting charge in respect of share options. No share options were exercised during the period (2018: none). 

Directors’ total emoluments

Salaries and fees
Social security costs
Pensions
Share-based payments

2019
£000

439
54
39
—

532

2018
£000

23
17
23
141
169
13
20

406

21
17

38

2018
£000

5.5
5.5

11

2018
£000

406
49
38
11

504

51

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019Financial StatementsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

5. Employee information
Average monthly number of employees including Directors – Group

Management and technical
Field exploration and production

Staff costs – Group

Wages and salaries (including Directors’ emoluments)
Social security
Pensions
Share-based payments (note 21)

Average monthly number of employees including Directors – Company

Management and technical

Staff costs – Company

Wages and salaries (including Directors’ emoluments)
Social security
Pensions
Share-based payments (note 21)

6. Finance income

Bank interest received
Other finance income

7. Finance expense

Unwinding of discount on decommissioning provision (note 19)
Other finance expense

52

2019
Number

2018
Number

9
4

13

2019
£000

821
99
71
—

991

9
4

13

2018
£000

740
88
68
11

907

2019
Number

2018
Number

9

9

2019
£000

612
72
56
—

740

2019
£000

16
27

43

2019
£000

182
5

187

9

9

2018
£000

563
66
54
11

694

2018
£000

10
—

10

2018
£000

165
6

171

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
8. Taxation

Movement in deferred tax asset (note 18)
Movement in deferred tax liability (note 18)

Tax charge

2019
£000

(117)
117

—

2018
£000

668
(327)

341

UK corporation tax is calculated at 30% (2018: 30%) of the estimated assessable profit for the year being the applicable rate for a ring-fence trade 
excluding the Supplementary Charge of 10%.

Loss before tax

Tax reconciliation
Loss multiplied by the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK including Supplementary Charge of 40% (2018: 40%)
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
Deferred tax asset not recognised
Other reconciling items 

Total tax credit

9. Other comprehensive income 

Loss on investment revaluation

2019
£000

(654)

(261)
35
76
150

—

2019
£000

(59)

2018
£000

(2,290)

(916)
111
668
478

341

2018
£000

—

On 8 May 2019, the Group sold its interest in PEDL143 to UK Oil & Gas plc (‘UKOG’) for 25,951,557 UKOG shares. At the time of the sale the  
shares were worth 1.156p each, resulting in a total value of £300,000. The investment was revalued at the year end to £241,000 (0.93p per share).  
An irrevocable election has been made to record gains and losses arising on the shares as Other Comprehensive Income. 

10. Earnings per share 
Basic earnings per share (EPS) has been calculated on the loss after taxation divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the 
period. Diluted EPS uses an average number of shares adjusted to allow for the issue of shares on the assumed conversion of all in-the-money options. 

As the Group made a loss from continuing operations in both the current and prior years, any potentially dilutive instruments are considered to be 
anti-dilutive. Therefore the diluted EPS is equal to the basic EPS. As at 31 July 2019 there were 24,238,458 (2018: 23,414,440) potentially dilutive 
instruments in issue. 

The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the following:

Loss for the year attributable to the equity shareholders of the parent

Weighted average number of shares
For the purposes of basic and diluted EPS

2019
£000

(654)

2018
£000

(2,631)

393,259,484

301,388,379

53

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019Financial StatementsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

11. Intangible assets 
Intangible assets – Group

At 1 August
Additions
Disposal
Exploration write-off

At 31 July

Intangible assets comprise the Group’s pre-production expenditure on licence interests as follows:

Ireland FEL 2/13 (Doyle A, B, C, Kilroy, Keane & Kiely)
Ireland FEL 3/13 (Beckett, Wilde, Shaw)
Ireland FEL 1/17 (Edgeworth, Ervine & Egerton)
Ireland LO 16/19
Ireland FEL 4/19 (Inishkea)
Ireland LO 16/22
UK PEDL143 (Holmwood)
UK PEDL180 (Wressle)
UK PEDL181
UK PEDL182 (Broughton North)
UK PEDL299 (Hardstoft)
UK PEDL343 (Cloughton)

Total

Disposal
UK PEDL143 (Holmwood)

Exploration write-off
UK PEDL143 (Holmwood)
Ireland LO 16/21
UK Block 41/24

Total

2019
£000

5,959
1,869
(10)
—

7,818

2019
£000

1,280
1,255
636
89
1,259
213
—
2,867
101
29
12
77

7,818

10

—
—
—

—

2018
£000

5,276
1,972
—
(1,289)

5,959

2018
£000

799
1,093
453
71
454
125
10
2,745
95
26
12
76

5,959

—

1,145
97
47

1,289

Exploration write-back
On 8 May 2019 the Group sold its interest in PEDL143 (Holmwood) to UK Oil & Gas Plc (‘UKOG’) for 25,951,557 shares in UKOG at 1.156p per share.

Consideration for the PEDL143 interest
Disposal costs
Book value of remaining interest

Exploration write-back

2019
£000

300
(20)
(10)

270

2018
£000

—
—
—

—

If the Group is not able to or elects not to continue in any other licence, then the impact on the financial statements will be the impairment of some or 
all of the intangible assets disclosed above. Further details of commitments are included in note 23.

54

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 201911. Intangible assets (continued)
Intangible assets – Company

At 1 August
Additions
Transfer to Group companies 
Exploration write-off

At 31 July

Intangible assets comprise the Company’s pre-production expenditure on licence interests as follows:

Ireland LO 16/19
Ireland FEL 4/19
Ireland LO 16/22

Total

Exploration write-off
Ireland LO 16/21

2019
£000

198
106
(2)
—

302

2019
£000

89
—
213

302

2018
£000

577
380
(662)
(97)

198

2018
£000

71
2
125

198

—

97

In 2018 the interest and accumulated expenditure in respect of FEL 1/17 was transferred to the subsidiary company Europa Oil & Gas (Ireland East) 
Limited and LO16/20 was transferred to Europa Oil & Gas (Inishkea) Limited.

LO 16/21 was relinquished due to a lack of commercial prospects and the £97,000 spent to date was written off.

12. Property, plant & equipment
Property, plant & equipment – Group

Cost
At 1 August 2017
Additions
At 31 July 2018

Additions

At 31 July 2019

Depreciation, depletion and impairment
At 1 August 2018
Charge for year
Impairment in year

At 31 July 2018

Charge for year
Impairment in year

At 31 July 2019

Net book value
At 31 July 2017

At 31 July 2018

At 31 July 2019

Furniture &
computers
£000

Producing 
fields
£000

Total
£000

10,842
—
10,842

10,790
—
10,790

—

1

10,790

10,843

9,911
70
142

10,123

93
—

9,960
72
142

10,174

94
—

10,216

10,268

879

667

574

882

668

575

52
—
52

1

53

49
2
—

51

1
—

52

3

1

1

The producing fields referred to in the table above are the production assets of the Group, namely the oilfields at Crosby Warren and West Firsby, and 
the Group’s interest in the Whisby W4 well, representing the Group’s three cash generating units. 

55

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019Financial Statements 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

12. Property, plant & equipment (continued)
The carrying value of each producing field was tested for impairment by comparing the carrying value with the value-in-use. The value-in-use was 
calculated using a discounted cash flow model with production decline rates of 7-12%, Brent crude prices rising from US$70 per barrel in 2020 to 
US$74 per barrel in 2022 increasing by inflation from 2022 onwards and a pre-tax discount rate of 20%. The pre-tax discount rate is derived from a 
post-tax rate of 10% and is high because of the applicable rates of tax in the UK. Cash flows were projected over the expected life of the fields which 
is expected to be longer than five years. There was no impairment in the year (2018: £142,000 impairment relating to the West Firsby site).

Sensitivity to key assumption changes
Variations to the key assumptions used in the value-in-use calculation would cause impairment of the producing fields as follows: 

Further impairment
of producing fields
£000

312
602

168
392

62
29

Total
£000

52
—

52
1

53

49
2

51
1

52

3

1

1

Furniture &
computers
£000

52
—

52
1

53

49
2

51
1

52

3

1

1

Production decline rate (current assumption 7-12%)
12%
15%
Brent crude price per barrel (current assumption US$70/bbl in 2020 rising to US$74/bbl in 2022)
$70 flat
$65 flat
Pre-tax discount rate (current assumption 20%)
25%
30%

Property, plant & equipment – Company

Cost
At 1 August 2017
Additions

At 31 July 2018
Additions

At 31 July 2019

Depreciation
At 1 August 2016
Charge for the year

At 31 July 2017
Charge for year

At 31 July 2019

Net book value
At 31 July 2017

At 31 July 2018

At 31 July 2019

56

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 201913. Investments – Group 
Investment in shares

At 1 August
Current year additions

At 31 July

2019
£000

—
241

241

2018
£000

—
—

—

On 8 May 2019, the Group sold its interest in PEDL143 to UK Oil & Gas Plc (‘UKOG’) for 25,951,557 UKOG shares. At the time of the sale the shares 
were worth 1.156p each, resulting in a total value of £300,000. The investment was revalued at the year end to the value of £241,000 (0.93p per share) 
with the loss being recorded in Other Comprehensive Income (note 9). Under the agreement, the Group must hold onto the investment for at least six 
months from the date of the initial transaction.

Investments – Company 
Investment in subsidiaries

At 1 August
Current year additions

At 31 July

2019
£000

2,341
—

2,341

2018
£000

2,340
1

2,341

The Company’s investments at the reporting date include 100% of the share capital in the following unlisted companies:

 ■ Europa Oil & Gas Limited, which undertakes oil and gas exploration, development and production in the UK

 ■ Europa Oil & Gas (West Firsby) Limited, which is non-trading

 ■ Europa Oil & Gas (Ireland West) Limited, which holds the interest in the FEL 2/13 licence

 ■ Europa Oil & Gas (Ireland East) Limited, which holds the interest in the FEL 3/13 and FEL 1/17 licences

 ■ Europa Oil & Gas (Inishkea) Limited, which holds the interest in the FEL 4/19 licence

 ■ Europa Oil & Gas (New Ventures) Limited, which will hold the interest in the Moroccan licence

All six companies are registered in England and Wales, all having their registered office at 6 Porter Street, London W1U 6DD.

The results of the six companies have been included in the consolidated accounts. 

Europa Oil & Gas Limited owns 100% of the ordinary share capital of Europa Oil & Gas (UK) Limited (registered in England and Wales and non-trading).

Additions to the cost of investments represent the net value of options over the shares of the Company issued to employees of subsidiary companies 
less any lapsed, unvested options.

14. Inventories – Group

Oil in tanks

15. Trade and other receivables  

Current trade and other receivables
Trade receivables
Other receivables
Prepayments

Non-current other receivables
Owed by Group undertakings (note 25)

2019
£000

173
33
109

315

—

Group

2018
£000

301
30
140

471

—

2019
£000

19

2019
£000

—
9
70

79

2018
£000

20

Company

2018
£000

—
7
76

83

1,038

2,139

57

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019Financial Statements 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

16. Restricted cash  

Cash guarantee

2019
£000

251

Group

2018
£000

—

2019
£000

—

Company

2018
£000

—

As part of the final phase of discussions with the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (‘ONHYM’), in respect of securing a petroleum agreement 
in Morocco, a guarantee was set up for £251,000. This is treated as restricted cash.

17. Trade and other payables 

Trade payables
Other payables

Group other payables includes advances received from partners on projects in the UK. 

18. Deferred tax – Group
Recognised deferred tax asset:

As at 1 August 
(Charged)/credited to statement of comprehensive income

At 31 July 

2019
£000

823
263

1,086

Group

2018
£000

1,090
209

1,299

2019
£000

575
85

660

2019
£000

—
—

—

Company

2018
£000

620
68

688

2018
£000

341
(341)

—

The Group has a deferred tax liability of £1,098,000 (2018: £1,215,000) arising from accelerated capital allowances and a deferred tax asset of 
£1,098,000 (2018: £1,215,000) arising from trading losses which will be utilised against future taxable profits. These were offset against each other 
resulting in a £nil net asset/liability (2018: £nil net asset/liability). This offsetting was required because the Group settles current tax assets and liabilities 
on a net basis. 

Non-recognised long-term deferred tax asset
The Group has a non-recognised deferred tax asset of £4,116,000 (2018: £4,040,000), which arises in relation to ring-fence UK trading losses  
of £6.3m (2018: £5.9m), non-ring-fence UK trading losses of £11.7m (2018: £12.0m) and subsidiary losses of £4.7m  
(2018: subsidiary losses of £2.9m) that have not been recognised in the accounts as the timing of the utilisation of the losses  
is considered uncertain. 

No deferred tax assets or liabilities are recognised in the Company. 

19. Provisions – Group
Decommissioning provisions are based on third party estimates of work which will be required and the judgement of Directors. By their nature, the 
detailed scope of work required and timing are uncertain. 

Long-term provisions

As at 1 August
Charged to statement of comprehensive income (note 7)

At 31 July

No provisions have been recognised in the Company. 

2019
£000

2,735
182

2,917

2018
£000

2,570
165

2,735

58

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 201920. Called up share capital

Allotted, called up and fully paid ordinary shares of 1p
At 1 August 2018: 301,388,379 shares (1 August 2017: 301,388,379)
Issued in the year: 143,303,220 shares (2018: nil)

At 31 July: 444,691,599 shares (2018: 301,388,379)

Ordinary shares issued

Date

10 December 2018
10 December 2018 

Type of Issue

Placing
Open offer

Total

Number of shares

Issue price

133,333,338
9,969,882

143,303,220

3p
3p

Raised gross
£000

4,000
299

4,299

The costs of £337,000 incurred on the issue of share capital include £17,000 of non-cash expenses. 

All of the allotted shares are ordinary shares of the same class and rank pari passu. 

The following describes the purpose of each reserve within owners’ equity:

2019
£000

3,014
1,433

4,447

Raised net 
of costs
£000

3,692
270

3,962

2018
£000

3,014
—

3,014

Nominal 
value
£000

1,333
100

1,433

Reserve

Share premium
Merger reserve
Retained deficit

Description and purpose

Amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value.
Reserve created on issue of shares on acquisition of subsidiaries in prior years.
Cumulative net gains and losses recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

21. Share-based payments 
The Group operates an approved Enterprise Management Incentive (‘EMI’) share option scheme for employees and an unapproved scheme for  
grants in excess of EMI limits and for non-employees. Both schemes are equity-settled share-based payments as defined in IFRS 2 Share-based 
payments. A recognised valuation methodology is employed to determine the fair value of options granted as set out in the standard. The charge 
incurred relating to these options is recognised within operating costs. 

Combined information for the two schemes operated by the Group is set out below.

There are 24,238,458 ordinary 1p share options outstanding (2018: 23,414,440). 

These are held as follows: 

Holder

RJHM Corrie
P Greenhalgh
HGD Mackay
BJ O’Cathain
SG Oddie
Employees of the Group
Consultants and advisers

Total

31 July 
2019

31 July 
2018

450,000
4,525,000
11,700,000
1,200,000
1,200,000
2,490,000
2,673,458

450,000
4,525,000
11,700,000
1,200,000
1,200,000
2,490,000
1,849,440

24,238,458

23,414,440

The fair values of all options were determined using a Black Scholes Merton model. Volatility is based on the Company’s share price volatility  
since flotation. 

59

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019Financial StatementsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

21. Share-based payments (continued)
In the year 2,223,458 options were granted, 1,399,440 expired, none were forfeited, and none were exercised (2018: 2,400,000 granted, 1,750,000 
expired, 500,000 forfeited, none exercised).

Outstanding at the start of the year
Granted
Expired
Forfeited

Outstanding at the end of the year
Exercisable at the end of the year

2019
Number 
of options

2019
Average 
exercise price

2018
Number 
of options

2018
Average 
exercise price

23,414,440
2,223,458
(1,399,440)
—

24,238,458
13,368,458

9.14p
3p
6p
—

8.76p
9.86p

23,264,440
2,400,000
(1,750,000)
(500,000)

23,414,440
12,411,102

11.62p
6.5p
20p
8.9p

9.14p
10.67p

The 2,223,458 options granted in 2019 are subject to no further vesting conditions and expire on the second anniversary of the grant date. The inputs 
used to determine their values are detailed in the table:

Grant date

Number of options
Share price at grant
Exercise price
Volatility
Dividend yield
Risk free investment rate
Option life in years
Fair value per share

10 December 2018

2,223,458
2.8p
3.0p
70%
nil
0.66%
1.5
0.79p

The 2,400,000 options granted in 2018 are subject to no further vesting conditions and expire on the 10th anniversary of the grant date. The inputs 
used to determine their values are detailed in the table:

Grant date

Number of options
Share price at grant
Exercise price
Volatility
Dividend yield
Risk free investment rate
Option life in years
Fair value per share

25 January 2018

2,400,000
4.5p
6.5p
70%
nil
1.17%
6
0.46p

Based on the fair values above, the charge arising from employee share options was £nil (2018: £11,000). The charge relating to non-employee share 
options was £nil (2018: £nil). The charge allocated direct to equity, relating to the issue of options on the issue of share capital, was £17,000 (2018: £nil).

Share options outstanding at the end of the period have exercise prices ranging from 3p to 16p and the weighted average remaining contractual life 
at the end of the period was 5.0 years (2018: 6.0 years).

60

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 201922. Financial instruments 
The Group’s and Company’s financial instruments comprise cash and cash equivalents, bank borrowings, loans, and items such as trade and other 
receivables and trade and other payables which arise directly from its operations. Europa’s activities are subject to a range of financial risks, the 
main ones being: credit; liquidity; interest rates; commodity prices; foreign exchange; and capital. These risks are managed through ongoing review 
considering the operational, business and economic circumstances at that time.

Financial assets

Investments
Trade receivables
Restricted cash
Cash and cash equivalents

Total financial assets

Financial liabilities

Amortised cost 
2019
£000

Amortised cost 
2018
£000

—
173
251
2,905

3,329

—
301
—
1,771

2,072

Fair value
through other
comprehensive
income 
2019
£000

Fair value
through other
comprehensive
income 
2018
£000

241
—
—
—

241

—
—
—
—

—

Amortised cost 
2019
£000

Amortised cost 
2018
£000

Fair value
through other
comprehensive
income 
2019
£000

Fair value
through other
comprehensive
income 
2018
£000

Trade and other payables

(1,086)

(1,299)

—

—

Credit risk
The Group is exposed to credit risk as all crude oil production is sold to one multinational oil company. The customer is invoiced monthly for the oil 
delivered to the refinery in the previous month and invoices are settled in full on the 15th of the following month. At 31 July 2019 trade receivables 
were £173,000 representing one month of oil revenue and receivables due from project partners (2018 £301,000 representing one month of oil 
revenue). The fair value of trade receivables and payables approximates to their carrying value because of their short maturity. Any surplus cash 
is held on short-term deposit with Royal Bank of Scotland. The maximum credit exposure in the year was £169,000 being the highest month’s oil 
revenue (2018: £161,000). The Company exposure to third party credit risk is negligible. The intercompany balances with its subsidiaries have been 
provided due to the questionability of their recovery.

Liquidity risk
The Company currently has no overdraft or overdraft facility with its bankers. 

The Group and Company monitor their levels of working capital to ensure they can meet liabilities as they fall due. The following table shows the 
contractual maturities (representing the undiscounted cash flows) of the Group’s and Company’s financial liabilities. 

At 31 July

6 months or less

Total

Group
Trade and other payables

Company
Trade and other payables

2019
£000

1,086

1,086

2018
£000

1,299

1,299

2019
£000

660

660

2018
£000

688

688

Cash and cash equivalents in both Group and Company are all available at short notice.

Trade and other payables do not normally incur interest charges. There is no difference between the fair value of the trade and other payables and 
their carrying amounts.

Interest rate risk
The Group has no interest bearing liabilities. 

61

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019Financial StatementsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

22. Financial instruments (continued)
Commodity price risk
The selling price of the Group’s production of crude oil is set at a small discount to Brent prices. The table below shows the range of prices achieved 
in the year and the sensitivity of the Group’s loss before taxation (LBT) to such movements in oil price. There would be a corresponding increase or 
decrease in net assets. There is no commodity price risk in the Company.

Oil price

Highest 
Average
Lowest 

Month

October 2018

December 2018

2019
Price
US$/bbl

79.7
66.7
56.4

2019
LBT
£000

(319)
(654)
(917)

2018
Price
US$/bbl

75.4
64.6
50.6

2018
LBT
£000

(2,017)
(2,291)
(2,644)

Foreign exchange risk
The Group’s production of crude oil is invoiced in US$. Revenue is translated into Sterling using a monthly exchange rate set by reference to the 
market rate. The table below shows the range of average monthly US$ exchange rates used in the year and the sensitivity of the Group’s LBT to 
similar movements in US$ exchange. There would be a corresponding increase or decrease in net assets.

US Dollar

Highest
Average
Lowest

Month

February 2019

July 2019

2019
Rate 
US$/£

1.330
1.287
1.225

2019
LBT 
£000

(710)
(654)
(568)

2018
Rate 
US$/£

1.422
1.351
1.289

The table below shows the Group’s currency exposures. Exposures comprise the net financial assets and liabilities of the Group that are not 
denominated in the functional currency.

Currency 

Euro

US Dollar

Total

Item

Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other payables
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables

2019
£000

5
(500)
229
158

(108)

 Group

2018
£000

9
(423)
715
115

416

2019
£000

5
(483)
7
—

(471)

2018
LBT 
£000

(2,369)
(2,287)
(2,206)

 Company

2018
£000

9
(423)
—
—

(414)

Capital risk management
The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns for 
shareholders and maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital. The Group defines capital as being the consolidated shareholder 
equity (note 20) and bank borrowings (currently nil). The Board monitors the level of capital as compared to the Group’s long-term debt commitments 
and adjusts the ratio of debt to capital as is determined to be necessary, by issuing new shares, reducing or increasing debt, paying dividends and 
returning capital to shareholders. The Group is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements.

Intercompany loans
The adoption of IFRS 9 has changed the Group’s accounting for impairment losses for financial assets by replacing IAS 39’s incurred loss approach 
with a forward-looking Expected Credit Loss (‘ECL’) approach. IFRS 9 requires the Group to recognise an allowance for ECLs for all debt instrument 
not held at fair value through profit or loss. The Parent has chosen not to restate comparatives on adoption of IFRS 9 and, therefore, they are not 
reflected in the restated prior year financial statements. Rather, these changes have been processed at the date of initial application (i.e. 1 August 
2018) and recognised in the opening equity balances.

The loans to the subsidiaries are classified as repayable on demand. IFRS 9 requires consideration of the expected credit risk associated with  
the loan. As the subsidiary company does not have any liquid assets to sell to repay the loan, should it be recalled, the conclusion reached was  
that the loan should be categorised as stage 3.

As part of the assessment of expected credit losses of the intercompany loan receivable, the Directors have considered the published chance of 
success for Inishkea, and applying the same 33% general wildcat exploration success rate, the loans to other subsidiaries have been 67% provided.

62

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019The movement in the provision was as follows:

Provision at 1 August 2017
Increase in the year

Provision at 31 July 2018
Opening adjustments under IFRS 9:
Movement in the year

Provision at 31 July 2019

Europa 
Oil & Gas
Limited
£000

13,197
1,791

14,988
—
1,529

16,517

Europa 
Oil & Gas
(Ireland West)
Limited
£000

Europa 
Oil & Gas 
(Ireland East)
Limited
£000

Europa 
Oil & Gas 
(Inishkea) 
Limited
£000

Europa 
Oil & Gas 
(New Ventures)
Limited 
£000

—
—

—
392
113

505

—
—

—
765
196

961

—
—

—
276
148

424

38
—

38
—
178

216

Total
£000

13,235
1,791

15,026
1,433
2,164

18,623

23. Capital commitments and guarantees
The outstanding work commitments on the Irish licences total £1.6m and are detailed below:

 ■ FEL 2/13: confirm Kiely East well location, carry out a site survey and prepare an updated play and prospect assessment for the Petroleum Affairs 

Division of the Department of Communications Climate Action and Environment (‘PAD’) – total £0.5m

 ■ FEL 3/13: desktop work covering the PSDM velocity model, 2D modelling of the Wilde fan and a carbonate shelf fan system study – total  

£0.2m

 ■ FEL 1/17: prepare an updated play and prospect assessment for PAD – total £minimal

 ■ FEL 4/19: undertake a site survey at the Inishkea location, complete well design and engineering, investigate commerciality of the 18/20-7  

discovery – total £0.7m

 ■ LO 16/19: has no outstanding commitments

 ■ LO 16/22: PSDM reprocessing and interpretation – £0.2m

On the UK licences PEDL299 (Hardstoft) and PEDL343 (Cloughton) there is a commitment to acquire seismic and Europa’s share of combined cost  
is expected to be £1.25m. 

The Inezgane Offshore licence awarded post the reporting date carries a commitment to reprocess 1,300km2 of existing 3D seismic with an estimated 
cost of £0.5m. 50% of the cost of the work has been guaranteed as referenced in note 16. If the Group was not to complete the work commitment the 
licence would be relinquished, and the guarantee not released.

If the Group is not able to raise funds, farm-down, or extend licences; or elects not to continue in an exploration licence, then the impact on the 
financial statements will be the impairment of the relevant intangible asset disclosed in note 11.

24. Operating lease commitments
The office at Porter Street, London is leased by Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc until December 2021 at an annual rental of £55,000 (2018: £55,000).

Europa Oil & Gas Limited pays annual site rentals for the land upon which the West Firsby and Crosby Warren oil field facilities are located. 

 ■ The West Firsby lease runs until September 2022 and can be terminated on two months’ notice. The annual cost is currently £21,000  

(2018: £20,000) increasing annually in line with the retail price index 

 ■ The Crosby Warren lease runs until December 2022 and can be terminated on three months’ notice. The annual cost is currently £20,000  

(2018: £20,000)

Future minimum lease payments are as follows:

Less than 1 year
2-5 years

Total

2019
£000

60
78

138

2018
£000

60
133

193

63

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019Financial StatementsNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

25. Related party transactions
Key management are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, controlling and directing the activities of the Group. In the opinion 
of the Board, the Group’s and the Company’s key management are the Directors of Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc. Information regarding their 
compensation is given in note 4.

During the year, the Company provided services to subsidiary companies as follows:

Europa Oil & Gas Limited
Europa Oil & Gas (Ireland West) Limited
Europa Oil & Gas (Ireland East) Limited
Europa Oil & Gas (Inishkea) Limited
Europa Oil & Gas (New Ventures) Limited

Total

At the end of the year the Company was owed the following amounts by subsidiaries:

Europa Oil & Gas (Ireland West) Limited
Europa Oil & Gas (Ireland East) Limited
Europa Oil & Gas (Inishkea) Limited
Europa Oil & Gas (New Ventures) Limited

Total

2019
£000

1,456
6
10
18
2

1,492

2019
£000

249
473
209
107

1,038

2018
£000

1,256
5
7
1
—

1,269

2018
£000

584
1,143
412
—

2,139

26. Post reporting date events
 ■ Award of Inezgane Offshore licence on Atlantic coast of Morocco

 ■ Irish Government’s announced intent to phase out oil exploration licences, but not gas; later confirmed that all existing exploration licences for  

both oil and gas remain valid

64

Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019DIRECTORS AND ADVISERS

i

A
d
v
s
e
r
s

Company registration number 

5217946

Registered office 

Directors 

Secretary 

Banker 

Solicitor 

Auditor 

Nominated adviser and broker 

Registrar 

6 Porter Street
London
W1U 6DD

CW Ahlefeldt-Laurvig – Non-Executive Director 
RJHM Corrie – Senior Non-Executive Director
P Greenhalgh – Finance Director
HGD Mackay – Chief Executive Officer
BJ O’Cathain – Non-Executive Director
SG Oddie – Non-Executive Chairman

P Greenhalgh

Royal Bank of Scotland plc
1 Albyn Place
Aberdeen
AB10 1BR

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
5 Fleet Place
London
EC4M 7RD

BDO LLP
55 Baker Street
London
W1U 7EU

finnCap Ltd
60 New Broad Street  
London
EC2M 1JJ

Computershare Investor Services plc
PO Box 82
The Pavilions
Bridgwater Road
Bristol 
BS99 7NH

Design and Production
www.carrkamasa.co.uk

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc
6 Porter Street
London, W1U 6DD
Tel: +44 (0)20 7224 3770

www.europaoil.com

Sidi Ifni, Morocco