What's happened
Despite pledges to reduce reliance on Russian gas, EU imports increased by 18% in 2024, raising concerns in Ukraine. A report highlights that European purchases of Russian gas surpassed financial aid to Ukraine, prompting calls for a clearer phase-out plan.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights:
- Increased Imports: The EU's imports of Russian gas rose by 18% in 2024, totaling approximately 45 billion cubic meters, despite previous commitments to reduce dependency.
- Financial Aid Discrepancy: European purchases of Russian gas in 2024 amounted to €21.9 billion, exceeding the €18.7 billion in financial aid provided to Ukraine, excluding military support.
- Pipeline Challenges: The destruction of key pipelines, including Nord Stream, has complicated the EU's energy landscape, limiting options for Russian gas imports.
- Political Implications: Ukrainian officials express frustration over the EU's continued gas imports from Russia, emphasizing the need to cut off funding for Russia's military actions.
- Future Outlook: The EU's energy strategy may face further scrutiny as discussions about resuming Russian gas imports arise amid potential peace negotiations in Ukraine.
What the papers say
According to Al Jazeera, Ember's report highlights that the EU's gas imports from Russia increased significantly, raising alarms in Ukraine. Ukrainian presidential adviser Vladyslav Vlasiuk stated, "It’s time to cut off the petrodollar flow fueling Russia’s aggression." In contrast, Politico reported on Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's comments about restoring energy supplies to Europe, suggesting that American influence could play a role in this decision. The Moscow Times noted the ongoing debate within Europe regarding the potential resumption of Russian gas imports, despite strong opposition from key European leaders. These contrasting perspectives illustrate the complex dynamics at play in the EU's energy policy and its geopolitical implications.
How we got here
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU has aimed to reduce its energy dependence on Russia. However, recent reports indicate a troubling increase in Russian gas imports, contradicting earlier commitments to phase them out by 2027.
Go deeper
- What are the implications for Ukraine?
- How is the EU planning to reduce its gas imports?
- What role does the US play in this situation?
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Why Are EU Imports of Russian Gas Increasing Despite Ongoing Tensions?
Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the EU's commitment to reduce reliance on Russian energy, recent reports indicate a troubling increase in gas imports from Russia. This situation raises critical questions about the EU's energy strategy and its implications for geopolitical stability. Below, we explore the reasons behind this trend and what it means for the future of European energy policy.
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Why Are EU Gas Imports from Russia Increasing Despite Ongoing Tensions?
Despite the EU's commitment to reduce reliance on Russian energy sources following the Ukraine conflict, recent reports indicate a surprising increase in gas imports from Russia. This situation raises critical questions about the EU's energy policy, its implications for Ukraine, and the broader geopolitical landscape.
More on these topics
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The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe. Its members have a combined area of 4,233,255.3 km² and an estimated total population of about 447 million.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Nord Stream (German–English mixed expression for "North Stream"; Russian: Северный поток, Severny potok) is a network of offshore natural gas pipelines which run under the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany to provide Western Europe with nat