EU grapples with persistent Russian LNG imports amidst calls for stricter sanctions
As calls for tighter sanctions on Russian LNG imports grow, a new report by German NGO Urgewald shows that some EU nations are still heavily depend on LNG imports from Russian company Novatek's Yamal plant.
PHOTO: LNG tanker. Getty Image
Despite geopolitical tensions, EU member states, including Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Spain have imported a staggering 34 million mt of LNG from Yamal since Russia's war with Ukraine started in 2022. This significant volume, equivalent to more than half of Germany's gas consumption in 2023, highlights the deep-rooted energy connections between Europe and Russia.
Over 60 members of the European Parliament recently sent a resounding message to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, urging for a complete ban on gas imports from Russia. This collective stance underscores the growing momentum within the EU to reassess its energy partnerships and reduce dependency on Russian energy sources.
“The German federal government must ensure that the EU completely bans the import of Russian LNG and sanctions ships that call at Russian LNG ports. As a result, Yamal's exports would practically come to a standstill because Novatek simply lacks alternatives," said Urgewald campaigner Sebastian Rötters.
A notable fleet of 15 icebreaking tankers is consistently used to ferry Russian gas to EU terminals, further highlighting the extent of Europe's dependency on Russian LNG. These numbers underscore the urgent need for policymakers to reassess existing sanctions regimes and explore avenues to reduce dependency on Russian energy.
As policymakers grapple with the imperative to mitigate reliance on Russian energy sources, they face formidable commercial pressure from industry giants like TotalEnergies.
A Bloomberg report has highlighted the Dutch government's efforts to end Russian LNG imports, which have been hindered by TotalEnergies' contractual obligations with the Yamal LNG project. The contractual agreement, initiated in 2018, presents a significant hurdle for policymakers seeking to enforce stricter sanctions on Russian imports.
By Debarati Bhattacharjee
Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online
