EU's Import of Russian Gas Surges Despite Ongoing Conflict

In a surprising turn of events, the European Union has increased its imports of natural gas from Russia by 18% in the past year, despite ongoing hostilities stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This rise in imports, as reported by the think tank Ember, includes both pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Following the illegal Russian assault on Ukraine in February 2022, the EU implemented a series of sanctions targeting Russian energy resources, including coal and oil. The bloc aims to eliminate Russian gas imports by 2027, although this commitment lacks a legally binding framework. Since the start of 2025, Ukraine has ceased the transit of Russian gas through its territory, complicating the supply landscape.

Countries such as Italy, the Czech Republic, and France have notably increased their reliance on Russian gas, with Ember indicating that imports are expected to continue rising in 2025. This trend appears counterintuitive, as demand within the EU has not seen corresponding growth. Furthermore, gas prices surged nearly 60% in 2024, raising questions about the sustainability of continued imports.

Critics have decried the ongoing purchases of Russian gas, arguing that EU member states should be investing in renewable energy and efficiency measures to reduce dependence on Russian energy sources. Instead, they claim, funds are being diverted towards costly LNG capacities that remain underutilized, potentially leading to a surplus by 2030.

The European Commission is actively working on strategies to reduce reliance on Russian fossil fuels, with EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen reiterating this priority in recent statements. A roadmap aimed at phasing out Russian energy imports is currently being developed and is expected to be unveiled shortly.

In his remarks, Commissioner Jørgensen expressed strong disapproval of member states' continued purchases of Russian fossil fuels, highlighting the financial implications that indirectly support the Kremlin's military efforts. He noted that the funds spent on Russian fossil fuels since the onset of the conflict could have funded the acquisition of 2,400 F-35 fighter jets.

While LNG imports from Russia persist, investments in ongoing LNG projects within Russia are prohibited, as are exports facilitating such projects. Additionally, EU ports are barred from being utilized for shipping Russian LNG to third-party nations.

According to Ember, ceasing all imports of Russian gas would jeopardize energy security, as alternative supply sources have become increasingly unreliable. Geopolitical tensions, particularly with the United States, introduce additional risks to the EU's strategy of relying on LNG imports.

Currently, Norway and the United States are the primary gas suppliers to the EU. Given the ongoing need for gas in Europe, the European Commission is focused on strengthening energy ties with the U.S. While efforts are underway to diversify energy sources, options for sourcing LNG remain limited, according to Commissioner Jørgensen. Despite heightened diplomatic tensions, discussions regarding energy cooperation continue.