EU holds back sanctions against Russian LNG to avoid dependence on US - Reuters
Photo: The EU does not impose sanctions on LNG from Russia to trade with the US (Getty Images)
The European Union is in no hurry to impose sanctions on Russian LNG in order not to lose leverage in negotiations with the United States. Brussels fears increased energy dependence on Washington, Reuters reports.
According to the agency, European officials have abandoned the idea of insisting on a ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas from the EU in future packages due to resistance from some governments and uncertainty about alternative sources.
EU to develop new roadmap
According to the agency's sources, the Commission wants to develop a new roadmap to end the bloc's dependence on Russian energy resources by 2027. The plan is to be announced in early May, but details are scarce.
The Commission is expected to propose the 17th package of sanctions against Russia by June, although officials say that work on the measures is moving slowly.
The last time the idea of a ban on Russian LNG imports was discussed with EU governments was in January, when the Commission was finalizing its 16th package proposal.
EU's dependence on US gas
The agency writes that US President Donald Trump has said several times that he wants the EU to buy more US gas, and EU officials are considering delaying sanctions on Russian LNG imports as a possible negotiating tool to persuade the US administration to lower tariffs.
The EU trade chief met with his American counterpart on Monday to discuss the start of negotiations. The Commission said the meeting was part of a review, and noted that Washington had not yet clarified its demands.
“The EU is doing its part. Now, it is necessary for the U.S. to define its position. As with every negotiation, this must be a two-way street,” the statement said.
One official said that the Commission does not want to risk losing Russian LNG due to sanctions and thus cede its power in the negotiations.
The agency writes that the Commission and EU governments fear the creation of a new dependence on the United States, which is the third-largest gas supplier to the bloc after Russia and Norway.
Refusal from Russian gas
Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, Western countries have been gradually abandoning Russian energy supplies. In particular, the EU, the US, and their allies have reduced imports of oil, gas, and coal from Russia by imposing sanctions and restrictions.
At the same time, Reuters recently wrote in more detail that the European Commission plans to announce a detailed strategy for phasing out Russian oil and gas imports.
Earlier today, the head of the Belgian Ministry of Energy, Mathieu Bie, emphasized that any talks that the West could restore energy ties with the Russian Federation are "illusory." No one will act as if nothing has happened.
