EU threatens to import Russian gas in huge Ukraine betrayal

EU Weighs Return to Russian Gas Amid Energy Security Concerns

As energy security anxieties rise within the European Union, sparked by geopolitical uncertainties and concerns over reliance on alternative sources, the bloc is contemplating a potential resumption of Russian gas imports. Donald Trump’s policies have introduced volatility to the EU’s energy landscape, particularly regarding its dependence on US energy. Despite aiming to cease Russian energy purchases by 2027, the EU faces constrained options as discussions with Qatar have slowed and the expansion of renewable energy sources remains insufficient to meet immediate demands.

Potential Return to Russian Gas Flows

Didier Holleaux, a senior executive at the French energy firm Engie, suggested that a “stable peace” in Ukraine might pave the way for renewed negotiations concerning Russian gas supplies. Speaking to Reuters, Holleaux indicated, “If there is a stable peace in Ukraine, we could revert to gas flows of 60 to 70 billion cubic meters annually, potentially including LNG [liquefied natural gas].”

Industry Urges Reconsideration of Russian Supply

Christof Guenther, managing director of the chemical plant operator InfraLeuna, emphasized the pressing nature of the current energy situation.

Guenther stated, “We are facing a critical crisis and cannot afford to wait. Re-establishing pipeline connections would significantly decrease energy costs more effectively than any existing financial assistance initiatives.”

Acknowledging the “sensitive nature” of the topic, Guenther conveyed that numerous industry peers concur on the necessity of reinstating Russian gas supplies.

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In Germany’s Leuna Chemical Park, Russia formerly supplied 60% of the local gas demand, primarily via the Nord Stream pipeline before its disablement in 2022.

The German chemical industry has consequently experienced job reductions for five consecutive quarters, an unprecedented downturn in recent decades.

Diversification and US Reliability Questioned

Patrick Pouyanne, head of the oil and gas corporation TotalEnergies, cautioned against excessive reliance on US gas exports. TotalEnergies is a major exporter of US LNG and also markets Russian LNG from the private company Novatek.

Pouyanne stated, “We need to diversify our energy sources, pursuing multiple pathways and avoiding overdependence on one or two suppliers. Europe will likely never return to importing 150 billion cubic meters from Russia as it did before the conflict… however, I anticipate a potential return to around 70 bcm.”

France possesses one of Europe’s most diverse energy portfolios, whereas Germany was significantly dependent on Russian gas for its industrial sector prior to the war in Ukraine.

Arne Lohmann Rasmussen, chief analyst at Global Risk Management, suggested that an escalating trade dispute between the EU and the US could lead to Washington limiting LNG exports.

A high-ranking EU diplomat concurred, noting the possibility of such “leverage being employed” in geopolitical negotiations.