The European Union plans to present the long -awaited strategy of gradual refusal to import Russian oil and gas on May 6. This document will be a key stage in EU efforts to reduce energy dependence on Russia, against the background of a continuing war in Ukraine.
Although in 2022 the European Union promised to completely stop the purchase of Russian fossil energy by 2027, the publication of a specific "road card" has been postponed twice. It was last planned to be introduced in March 2025, but due to a number of internal and foreign policy factors, the process was slowed down again.
According to Reuters , citing sources in European institutions, one of the reasons for the delay was fears of economic reaction by US Presidential Administration Donald Trump. In particular, the risks of tariff pressure in response to EU energy and foreign trade policy.
Despite the significant reduction in the volume of Russian pipeline gas since 2022, in 2024 the European Union increased the import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia. According to analysts, the share of Russian gas (including LNG) in a total supply to the EU was about 19%.
Unlike oil, Russian gas imports have not yet been under EU sanctions. One of the main reasons is the resistance from individual Member States, in particular Hungary, which frankly declared the intention to block any decisions affecting the supply of Russian energy. Within the EU, energy sanctions require unanimous approval, which complicates decision making.
The new European Commission is expected to include specific measures to accelerate the energy transition and replace Russian supplies. One of the main areas is the increase in the imports of LNGs from the United States, which have already become an important source of gas for the European market, especially during the energy crisis of 2022.
In 2024, the United States became the third largest gas supplier to the EU, only giving way to Russia and Norway. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that energy would be a tool for equalizing the trade balance with the EU, and considers the export of LNG as a strategic lever in negotiations with Brussels.
Despite significant progress in diversification of energy suppliers, a number of European business associations and diplomats express concern for potential dependence on the United States. There is fears that US gas can be a trade in a broader political and economic dialogue, including duties, subsidies and green transformation issues.
In this context, the new EU plan should demonstrate not only the rejection of Russian resources, but also a strategic vision of long -term energy security. The document expects proposals to maintain renewable energy sources, the development of infrastructure for LNG imports, to increase energy efficiency and to stimulate internal production.