EU Gas Imports from Russia Jump – Are Sanctions Failing? (Breaking News)
Brussels, Belgium – August 18, 2025 – In a surprising turn of events, the European Union imported a staggering €4.48 billion worth of liquid gas from Russia in the first half of 2025 – a nearly 33% increase compared to the same period last year. This revelation is sparking intense debate about the effectiveness of sanctions imposed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and raising concerns about the EU’s energy dependence. This is a developing story, and archyde.com is committed to bringing you the latest updates as they unfold.
Why is Russian Gas Still Flowing into Europe?
Despite the closure of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline in August 2022, Russian gas continues to reach the EU primarily in two forms: Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) transported via tankers, and through the TurkStream pipeline. The EU Commission has, to date, refrained from sanctioning natural gas imports, citing significant existing dependencies. Unlike coal and oil, a complete and immediate ban on gas was deemed too disruptive to European economies. This decision, however, is now under intense scrutiny.
The Numbers: A Closer Look at EU Gas Imports
According to Eurostat, the EU statistics authority, natural gas imports from Russia totaled €15.6 billion in 2024. While this is substantial, it’s worth noting that the United States surpassed Russia as the EU’s largest gas supplier, providing €19.1 billion worth of gas during the same period. However, the recent surge in Russian LNG imports is undeniably concerning. In 2024, gas deliveries from Russia accounted for almost 19 percent of all imports.
The 2028 Ban: A Long-Term Solution?
The EU Commission has proposed a phased-in ban on Russian gas imports, aiming for complete prohibition by 2028. The plan outlines a tiered approach: long-term contracts would be affected from January 1, 2028, short-term contracts from June 17, 2026, and any new contracts completed after this point from January 1, 2026. This ambitious plan requires approval from 15 of 27 EU member states, representing at least 65% of the EU population, and negotiation with the EU Parliament. The road to implementation is likely to be complex and politically charged.
Impact on German Companies: The SEFE Case
The proposed ban directly impacts companies like Sefe, a German energy firm formerly known as Gazprom Germania, which was nationalized following the Ukraine war. Sefe currently holds a long-term contract for Russian LNG imports. The exact consequences for Sefe remain unclear, with the company stating a full assessment is only possible once the Commission’s ordinance is finalized. This situation highlights the intricate web of energy contracts and the challenges of disentangling from Russian energy sources.
Will Consumers Feel the Pinch?
The EU Commission assures consumers that the transition will be gradual and coordinated to minimize price impacts. However, the war in Ukraine has already sent gas prices soaring across Europe, impacting both households and industries. While the Commission believes alternative gas suppliers can fill the gap, a “security clause” is included in the proposal, allowing member states to temporarily suspend the ban if their energy security is threatened. This acknowledges the potential for disruption and the need for flexibility.
The situation underscores the importance of diversifying energy sources and investing in renewable energy infrastructure. The EU’s long-term energy security hinges on reducing its reliance on any single supplier, including Russia. The coming years will be critical in determining whether the EU can successfully navigate this energy transition and achieve its goals of energy independence and climate neutrality.
Stay tuned to archyde.com for continuous coverage of this developing story and in-depth analysis of the EU’s energy policy. We’ll continue to provide you with the information you need to stay informed in a rapidly changing world.
