Thu Sep 26 13:08:23 UTC 2024: ## EU Struggles to Curb Russian LNG Imports Despite Rising Concerns
**Brussels, Belgium** – Belgium, a major importer of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), is calling for a bloc-wide ban on the fuel, arguing that current EU rules are insufficient to stop the influx. Energy Minister Tinne Van der Straeten told the Financial Times that companies are bound by long-term contracts with Russia and cannot break them without broader restrictions.
Despite EU pledges to stop consuming Russian fuel by 2027, LNG shipments from Russia to the bloc have been steadily increasing. According to a recent study, supplies of Russian LNG to EU countries rose by 7% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period last year.
The Netherlands has also voiced similar concerns. Dutch Climate and Green Growth Minister Sophie Hermans stated that she will raise the issue at a meeting of EU energy ministers next month, arguing that private contracts cannot be terminated without a sanction rule from the European Commission.
Data from energy analytics firm Kpler shows that Spain and Belgium were the largest EU buyers of Russian LNG in 2023. However, France is poised to surpass them after more than doubling its LNG imports from Russia in the first half of this year.
In June, the EU banned certain operations related to Russian LNG, including re-loading and ship-to-ship transfers for re-export purposes. However, the bloc has yet to impose sanctions on Russian LNG imports beyond a ban on trans-shipments, which is yet to come into force.
Experts argue that a bloc-wide ban is necessary to effectively curb Russian LNG imports and achieve the EU’s energy independence goals. The ongoing debate highlights the challenges facing the bloc in navigating its dependence on Russian energy resources while balancing geopolitical considerations and economic interests.
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