EU might reconsider Russian gas imports, according to FT
According to a report from the Financial Times, the resumption of pipeline deliveries may be included in a peace agreement concerning Ukraine. Read Full Article at RT.com.
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The resumption of pipeline deliveries may reportedly play a role in a potential peace agreement concerning Ukraine, as discussed by European Union officials. The Financial Times reports that these discussions include the possibility of reinstating Russian gas imports as part of resolving the ongoing conflict.
The topic of Russian gas deliveries to the EU has sparked significant debate, particularly since Brussels intensified efforts to lessen its reliance on affordable Russian energy following the conflict's escalation in 2022.
Officials from Germany and Hungary contend that restarting Russian gas imports could greatly decrease the EU's energy costs and potentially motivate Moscow to enter negotiations. According to the FT, these officials suggest that this step might encourage all parties involved in the conflict to maintain a possible ceasefire. "There is pressure from some big member states on energy prices and this is one way to bring those down, of course,” one official remarked.
Nonetheless, this proposition has reportedly "infuriated" officials in Brussels, along with diplomats from Eastern Europe, who have traditionally been the strongest critics of Russia. They are concerned about increasing Moscow’s export revenues and reversing the efforts to diminish the bloc's dependency on Russian energy.
Moscow itself has expressed skepticism regarding the feasibility of the reported initiative. Igor Ananskikh, the first deputy chairman of the State Duma Energy Committee, told Lenta.ru that the EU is unlikely to be ready to resume Russian gas purchases anytime soon.
The EU has experienced a substantial drop in Russian gas imports, which once made up 40% of the bloc’s total supply, due to sanctions related to Ukraine and the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline sabotage. The Nord Stream was designed to bypass Ukraine’s control over gas transit to the EU. Following the expiration of an agreement with Moscow, Ukraine halted the flow of Russian gas through its territory on January 1.
In response, the bloc has increased imports of pricier liquefied natural gas from nations like the United States and Norway, which has led to rising energy prices. Former US President Donald Trump previously urged Brussels to procure more American LNG, even threatening tariffs if they did not comply.
The high energy costs have had a considerable impact on the EU economy. For instance, Germany, the bloc’s economic engine, has observed its economy shrink for the second consecutive year in 2024, as per official reports.
Slovakia, one of the nations impacted by the cessation of gas transit through Ukraine, has accused Kiev of endangering its energy security. Prime Minister Robert Fico has vowed to block any EU assistance to Ukraine unless the transit of Russian gas is resumed.
“In the end, everybody wants lower energy costs,” a senior EU official stated.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
The topic of Russian gas deliveries to the EU has sparked significant debate, particularly since Brussels intensified efforts to lessen its reliance on affordable Russian energy following the conflict's escalation in 2022.
Officials from Germany and Hungary contend that restarting Russian gas imports could greatly decrease the EU's energy costs and potentially motivate Moscow to enter negotiations. According to the FT, these officials suggest that this step might encourage all parties involved in the conflict to maintain a possible ceasefire. "There is pressure from some big member states on energy prices and this is one way to bring those down, of course,” one official remarked.
Nonetheless, this proposition has reportedly "infuriated" officials in Brussels, along with diplomats from Eastern Europe, who have traditionally been the strongest critics of Russia. They are concerned about increasing Moscow’s export revenues and reversing the efforts to diminish the bloc's dependency on Russian energy.
Moscow itself has expressed skepticism regarding the feasibility of the reported initiative. Igor Ananskikh, the first deputy chairman of the State Duma Energy Committee, told Lenta.ru that the EU is unlikely to be ready to resume Russian gas purchases anytime soon.
The EU has experienced a substantial drop in Russian gas imports, which once made up 40% of the bloc’s total supply, due to sanctions related to Ukraine and the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline sabotage. The Nord Stream was designed to bypass Ukraine’s control over gas transit to the EU. Following the expiration of an agreement with Moscow, Ukraine halted the flow of Russian gas through its territory on January 1.
In response, the bloc has increased imports of pricier liquefied natural gas from nations like the United States and Norway, which has led to rising energy prices. Former US President Donald Trump previously urged Brussels to procure more American LNG, even threatening tariffs if they did not comply.
The high energy costs have had a considerable impact on the EU economy. For instance, Germany, the bloc’s economic engine, has observed its economy shrink for the second consecutive year in 2024, as per official reports.
Slovakia, one of the nations impacted by the cessation of gas transit through Ukraine, has accused Kiev of endangering its energy security. Prime Minister Robert Fico has vowed to block any EU assistance to Ukraine unless the transit of Russian gas is resumed.
“In the end, everybody wants lower energy costs,” a senior EU official stated.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
