EU Looks to U.S. Gas, Renewables to Cut Reliance on Russian Energy
The European Union is ramping up efforts to replace Russian gas supplies by increasing imports from countries like the United States while accelerating its transition to renewable energy, according to EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen.
In response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the EU has committed to phasing out Russian fossil fuels by 2027. Although pipeline gas imports from Russia have declined sharply, the EU’s purchases of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) saw an uptick last year.
Shifting Away from Russian Energy
Jorgensen stressed the urgency of breaking free from Russian energy dependence, arguing that European taxpayers’ money should not be funding Russia’s war efforts.
“Instead of using citizens’ money to pay for gas that ultimately funds Putin’s war chest, we must ensure we produce our own energy,” he said in a joint media interview.
To support this shift, Brussels is working on regulatory reforms to fast-track renewable energy projects. However, recognizing that some industries and heating systems cannot immediately transition to electricity, the EU is also prioritizing alternative gas supplies.
“We will still need gas, but it must come from sources other than Russia—and that could mean increasing imports from the U.S.,” Jorgensen added.
Market Pressures and U.S. Trade Threats
European gas prices recently surged to a two-year high, adding pressure on policymakers to secure stable, affordable energy supplies. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that the EU could face trade tariffs unless it boosts imports of American oil and gas.
Although the European Commission does not directly purchase gas, it has outlined plans to engage with LNG suppliers and explore investments in foreign LNG export infrastructure. Leaked documents reported by Reuters suggest that Brussels is working on securing long-term gas contracts with stable pricing.
Under existing EU regulations, all European gas contracts must be phased out by 2049 to align with the bloc’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Regulating Gas Markets and Energy Prices
Jorgensen declined to comment on the leaked policy drafts but confirmed that the European Commission is developing stricter regulations for the gas market. These measures aim to prevent speculative trading from driving up energy costs.
Next week, the Commission is expected to propose new “financial instruments” designed to decouple retail electricity prices from fluctuations in gas prices.
Despite the EU’s rapid expansion of renewable energy, its electricity pricing structure remains tied to gas prices—meaning that expensive gas continues to dictate energy costs for many European consumers.
As Brussels pushes for a more independent and sustainable energy strategy, the EU’s challenge lies in balancing immediate supply needs with long-term climate commitments.
