EU weighs two options to cut Russian gas dependency
Photo: The EU is considering two options for refusing Russian gas (Getty Images)
Sanctions against Russian liquefied natural gas may not be included in the 16th EU sanctions package. Instead, a plan for its gradual phase-out in Europe could be adopted, stated Vladyslav Vlasiuk, the Presidential Commissioner for Sanctions Policy, in a commentary for RBC-Ukraine.
According to him, discussions about cutting Russian LNG are progressing, with fewer voices opposing the idea, though the exact approach remains unclear.
"The 16th sanctions package does not currently include LNG. It’s possible that the European Commission is considering an alternative decision (phase-out plan - ed.). So, I hope the issue will be resolved, but a little later," Vlasiuk said.
According to the RBC’s sources, the European Commission is working on two options: the introduction of sanctions or a plan to reduce LNG usage within the EU.
Banning Russian gas in the EU
Public support for banning Russian gas in the EU has come from 10 countries so far. This applies to both pipeline and liquefied gas.
The countries supporting the ban include Sweden, Ireland, Poland, Denmark, Finland, Czechia, Romania, and the three Baltic states.
Among them, there are no countries interested in continuing supplies, including Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Italy, and Germany.
In early January, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico threatened severe measures against Ukraine over the suspension of Russian gas transit, including halting electricity exports to Ukraine and significantly reducing aid to Ukrainian refugees.
Additionally, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán vowed to respond to Ukraine over the transit halt.
