Quick Read
- The EU plans to end Russian gas imports by 2027 under the REPowerEU Roadmap.
- Russian gas accounted for 9% of EU consumption in early 2025 despite sanctions.
- Countries like Hungary and Slovakia oppose the phase-out due to economic reliance.
- France, Belgium, and Spain account for 85% of EU’s Russian LNG imports.
- The US is the EU’s largest LNG supplier, but diversification remains complex.
EU’s Ambitious Plan to Cut Russian Gas Imports
The European Union has set an ambitious goal to end its dependence on Russian gas by 2027 through the REPowerEU Roadmap. This plan, unveiled by the EU Commission, aims to phase out Russian energy supplies in a coordinated and stepwise manner. According to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the EU has already diversified its energy supply and reduced its reliance on Russian fossil fuels significantly since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. However, achieving complete independence remains a formidable challenge.
Historical Context of EU-Russia Energy Ties
For decades, Russia has been a dominant supplier of energy to Europe, providing oil, gas, and coal to power industries and heat homes across the continent. The annexation of Crimea in 2014 marked the first major disruption in this relationship, but it was the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 that forced the EU to confront the risks of its energy dependency. Since then, the EU has imposed sanctions on Russian coal and oil, but gas has proven harder to replace due to its critical role in Europe’s energy mix.
Current State of Russian Gas Imports
Despite efforts to reduce imports, Russian gas still accounts for a significant portion of EU consumption. According to the Kpler data consultancy, Russian gas made up 9% of EU consumption from January to April 2025. While pipeline imports have decreased sharply, several EU countries have increased their purchases of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia. The Ember global energy think tank reported an 18% year-on-year increase in Russian LNG imports in 2024, driven by higher demand in countries like Czechia, Italy, and France.
Internal Resistance and Economic Realities
The EU’s plan to phase out Russian gas faces opposition from member states with strong economic ties to Moscow. Hungary and Slovakia, for instance, have criticized the proposal, with Slovak Premier Robert Fico calling it “economic suicide.” These countries rely heavily on Russian energy, with Hungary importing 80% of its oil from Russia. Even within the EU, economic pragmatism often outweighs political considerations, as importers prioritize cost over geopolitical concerns.
Key Players in the Energy Transition
France, Germany, and Spain are central to the EU’s energy transition. France, which has five LNG terminals, increased its Russian LNG imports by 81% between 2023 and 2024, contributing €2.68 billion to Russia’s income. Germany, once dependent on Russia for 55% of its gas, has diversified its sources but still relies on LNG imports from other EU countries, some of which originate from Russia. Spain, meanwhile, has emphasized its commitment to finding alternative suppliers but remains constrained by private contracts.
The Role of the United States
The United States has emerged as the EU’s largest LNG supplier, accounting for 45% of imports in 2024. Increased LNG supplies from the US could help ease trade tensions and reduce reliance on Russia. However, the EU must also navigate rising energy prices and the potential for another gas price surge, as seen in 2022. The Commission’s plan to diversify suppliers includes Norway, Qatar, and North African nations, but achieving energy independence will require significant investment and coordination.
The EU’s efforts to end its dependence on Russian gas by 2027 are fraught with challenges, from internal resistance to economic realities. While the REPowerEU Roadmap outlines a clear path forward, its success will depend on the bloc’s ability to overcome these obstacles and secure a sustainable energy future.
Source: english.elpais.com, AP