EU Delays Russian LNG Ban Amid Supply Concerns, Say Diplomats.
The European Commission has refrained from proposing a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) in its latest sanctions package, as EU member states prioritize securing alternative supplies, including from the United States, diplomatic sources revealed.
“First, you need to have a deal, because otherwise, you risk being left without gas from both Russia and the U.S.,” one EU diplomat told Reuters.
Last June, the European Union imposed restrictions on transshipments of Russian LNG, blocking ship-to-ship transfers at northern European ports that Moscow had used to facilitate deliveries to Asia. However, since the ban took effect, more Russian LNG has remained in Europe, prompting some member states to push for stricter regulations and a complete ban.
Despite this pressure, the European Commission opted not to introduce tougher measures due to opposition from certain member states. Cold winter conditions, declining gas reserves, and the timing of Germany’s February 23 election also contributed to the decision to delay action.
“There was never an official proposal, so it’s not a question of watering anything down,” another diplomat said. The Commission had informally tested the idea among member states but ultimately chose not to move forward due to resistance from at least one country.
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Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has urged the EU to increase its purchases of American LNG and pledged to boost supply. However, with U.S. LNG exports already at full capacity, it remains uncertain when additional shipments could be secured.
Trump recently lifted a moratorium on new LNG projects that had been imposed by his predecessor, Joe Biden. Still, major new U.S. export capacity is not expected to come online until 2030. In December, 70% of U.S. LNG exports were sent to Europe, highlighting the region’s heavy reliance on American gas.
For now, the EU remains cautious, balancing geopolitical tensions with the need for stable energy supplies as winter demand continues to strain resources.
