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The European Union intends to present a comprehensive strategy for phasing out imports of Russian fossil fuels in early May. This document aims to strike a balance between the strategic goal of reducing energy dependence on Russia and the need to maintain the competitiveness of European industry, especially in the context of rising energy costs. This was reported by Bloomberg.
The publication of the plan has been repeatedly delayed due to the geopolitical situation, in particular the hardening of the US position on Ukraine and Brussels’ desire to maintain unity among member states. It is noteworthy that despite the general policy of energy isolation of Moscow, some EU states, such as Hungary and Slovakia, continue to import Russian gas, which hinders the introduction of more decisive measures.
New trade instruments instead of sanctions
According to the sources, the strategy does not envisage direct sanctions against Russian gas, which require unanimous approval of all member states. Instead, the European Commission is considering the possibility of introducing trade instruments – quotas and duties – that can be approved by a qualified majority.
These mechanisms are designed to reduce the attractiveness of imports from Russia while not causing a sharp rise in prices on the European market. This is critical for the stability of industry and the consumer market.
Russian LNG: the problem of substitution
Despite a sharp decline in Russian gas supplies through pipelines, which currently cover less than 5% of European demand, Russia remains the second largest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the EU. In 2024, the volume of LNG purchases from Russia reached a record level. The largest importers were Spain, France and Belgium.
This trend contradicts the general policy of sanctions and creates an energy paradox: the abandonment of one type of dependence while strengthening another.
Next steps: a legislative initiative is ahead
After the strategy is approved, the European Commission is preparing to present a legally binding proposal for the implementation of its provisions. It is expected that the new energy policy will be implemented in stages, using both financial incentives and infrastructure solutions.
Thus, the EU seeks not only to weaken Russia’s economic influence, but also to form a new energy security architecture for decades to come.
