EU Struggles with Russian LNG Imports Despite Energy Goals

The European Union continues to import significant volumes of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) despite its stated commitment to phase out Russian energy sources. This situation raises questions about the bloc’s energy strategy and its ability to balance economic pressures with political commitments.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright recently indicated that the EU could transition away from Russian gas entirely within a year, potentially accelerating to just six months. Yet, the challenge lies in the pricing of LNG. Analysts highlight that Russian LNG remains markedly cheaper than its U.S. counterpart, complicating the EU’s efforts to reduce dependency on Russian energy.

In a troubling turn of events, imports of Russian LNG reached record levels in 2024, contradicting the EU’s intentions to impose sanctions on the Russian energy sector. According to data from Rystad Energy, the value of LNG imported from Russia between January and June 2024 was approximately €4.4 billion (around $5.16 billion), an increase from €3.47 billion in the same period of 2023. This uptick reflects the ongoing reliance on Russian gas, even as EU leaders seek to reduce these imports.

Despite attempts to curtail Russian LNG purchases, deliveries have remained steady. Discussions among EU member states earlier this year included proposals to eliminate long-term contracts without incurring penalties. Nevertheless, these efforts have not successfully curtailed imports. The EU’s total LNG imports surged by 25% in the first half of 2024, largely fueled by shipments from the United States, which accounted for 55% of total imports. Meanwhile, Russian LNG comprised 14% of the bloc’s imports.

This juxtaposition is striking, as the EU is now the largest market for U.S. LNG while simultaneously remaining a major purchaser of Russian liquefied gas. Notably, the EU received about two-thirds of U.S. LNG exports in the first eight months of 2025 and accounted for 51% of Russian LNG exports, surpassing imports to China.

The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air in Finland reported that the EU also retained its position as the largest foreign buyer of Russian pipeline gas, despite a significant reduction in flows since 2022. These dynamics reflect the complexities of the EU’s energy landscape, where economic realities often clash with political aspirations.

Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to eliminate Russian energy imports by January 2028, countering Secretary Wright’s suggestion to expedite this timeline. Jorgensen emphasized the need for price stability and security of supply, warning that a hasty exit from Russian energy could result in market disruptions.

The EU’s strategy relies on increasing LNG imports from the U.S. and Qatar, alongside investments in renewable energy sources. However, Qatar’s ability to meet EU demands is complicated by new regulations. The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive mandates companies to address human rights and environmental impacts, with noncompliance resulting in fines of up to 5% of annual global turnover. Qatar’s Energy Minister has publicly stated that such penalties would deter Qatari companies from exporting to Europe.

As the EU navigates these challenges, it faces the delicate task of reducing Russian energy dependence while avoiding excessive reliance on U.S. LNG or other suppliers. The situation underscores the complexities of energy policy in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, where economic interests often dictate strategic decisions.

The EU’s ambition to diminish Russian energy revenues while ensuring affordable energy for its industries remains a formidable challenge. The balance between political commitments and market realities will be pivotal in shaping the future of the EU’s energy strategy.