Europe energy crisis
Three years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Europe’s energy outlook remains fragile. During the 2022–2023 crisis, the U.S. helped ease the pressure by supplying liquefied natural gas (LNG) to replace Russian imports. But now, with President Trump straining U.S.-Europe relations and leveraging energy for trade advantage, European businesses are increasingly uneasy about relying on American gas.
In a surprising shift, some EU energy leaders are now considering reintroducing Russian gas into the mix—even from Russia’s state-owned giant, Gazprom. This marks a dramatic potential reversal, as the EU previously vowed to phase out Russian energy imports by 2027 in response to the Ukraine war.
Limited Options Leave Europe in a Bind
Alternative sources remain limited. Talks with Qatar for additional LNG have stalled, and while renewable energy capacity is expanding, it’s not growing fast enough to ensure long-term stability.
French energy firm Engie suggests that if peace returns to Ukraine, Russia could still meet 20–25% of Europe’s gas demand—equivalent to 60–70 billion cubic meters per year. That’s significantly lower than the 40% share before the war, but still a substantial amount. TotalEnergies, another major French company, also supports the idea of diversifying away from U.S. LNG and cautiously reintroducing limited Russian supply.
Germany Faces Mounting Pressure
In Germany, the industrial heart of Europe, the situation is even more pressing. At the Leuna Chemical Park—an essential industrial hub—executives argue that cheaper Russian gas is critical to cut operational costs and protect jobs. Some are even calling for a revival of the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline. A recent poll showed that nearly half the population in one German region supports returning to Russian gas.
Energy Politics: Between the U.S., Russia, and Reality
In 2024, the U.S. supplied 16.7% of Europe’s gas, trailing Norway (33.6%) and just ahead of Russia (18.8%). However, with Trump urging Europe to purchase more American LNG to offset trade deficits, concerns are rising that U.S. supplies may become unstable—especially if domestic prices rise or geopolitical tensions intensify.
Despite its 2027 goal to end reliance on Russian gas, the EU lacks a concrete plan. Several European companies are still entangled in legal disputes with Gazprom over past supply failures. Engie has floated the idea that Russia could resume shipments via Ukraine as a form of financial settlement, effectively rebooting business ties.
Ukraine Urges Caution
Ukrainian energy companies, however, are urging Europe not to backslide. They argue that turning back to Russian gas would repeat past mistakes and undermine Europe’s energy independence. Instead, they advocate for deeper partnerships with the U.S. and a long-term commitment to alternative sources
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