Europe maintains strong reliance on US LNG amid geopolitical tensions

The European Union is continuing to increase its imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States as it seeks to diversify energy sources amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

European Commission spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen highlighted at a briefing that “about 25% of our total gas imports to the EU last year came from US LNG.” She emphasized that the rise in American LNG supplies forms part of the EU’s broader strategy to reduce dependence on Russian energy.

“We are implementing a consistent policy aimed at diversifying our sources relative to Russia. We now have legislation with clear deadlines to phase out Russian energy on the European market,” Itkonen said. “Consequently, pipeline gas and LNG must come from other locations, and the United States has been and continues to be an important supplier for us. We have other suppliers as well, but the United States, especially regarding LNG, is our ally.”

Asked how the European Commission envisions this trend evolving in the context of current geopolitical tensions, Itkonen said it is premature to speculate. She stressed, however, that companies purchase gas where it is available, and the United States remains a key partner in ensuring energy supply for the EU.

By Vafa Guliyeva