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Imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia to the European Union increased by 18% in 2024 compared to last year. In the period from January to November alone, Moscow received at least €6.3 billion for this. This is stated in a new report by the American Institute for Energy and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), published on Tuesday, 18 February.
According to analysts, France, Spain and Belgium remain the main importers of Russian LNG in Europe. These three countries account for 85% of the total supply.
A special role is played by the LNG terminal in Dunkirk, France, which in 2024 received 27% of total Russian liquefied natural gas imports to Europe.
According to IEEFA expert Ana Maria Halier-Macarewicz, France does not use all this gas for its own needs. According to the analysis, the resulting LNG is regasified at French terminals and then supplied via pipelines to other EU countries.
Germany is also among the recipients of such gas, and although it has its own LNG terminals, it continues to buy fuel that has been regasified in other countries.
Despite sanctions and statements about reducing dependence on Russian energy, Europe remains an important market for Russian LNG. Analysts predict that in 2025, the EU may reconsider its approach to energy imports, as growing purchases run counter to the sanctions policy against Moscow.
