The EU is set to unveil a comprehensive plan to end its reliance on Russian oil and gas by 2027, following delays.
The European Commission will release the strategy next month, addressing the EU's commitment to quit Russian fossil fuels following Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, reported Reuters.
The initial plan was postponed due to uncertainties surrounding US President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs, which could impact EU-US energy trade discussions.
Despite reduced Russian pipeline gas deliveries since 2022, the EU increased imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) last year, with Russia accounting for 19% of the EU's total gas and LNG supply in 2024.
While the EU has not sanctioned Russian gas imports, Hungary has vowed to block energy sanctions that require unanimous EU approval, the report said.
Some governments are hesitant to sanction Russian LNG without securing alternative supplies.
The Commission has not specified the tools it will propose to expedite the Russian energy phase-out, though the Bruegel think tank suggests imposing tariffs on Russian gas imports.
The EU may increase LNG purchases from the US, which helped fill the Russian supply gap during the 2022 energy crisis.
However, businesses and EU diplomats’ have expressed concerns about potential vulnerabilities from relying on US gas, especially as Trump considers energy a trade negotiation tool.
Posted by John3262005