EU Ends Russian LNG Imports Within 6 Months as U.S. Share Nears 80%
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 24
EU Ends Russian LNG Imports Within 6 Months as U.S. Share Nears 80%
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 24
Summary
Less than six months remain before the European Union halts its last Russian liquefied natural gas imports, closing a major remaining channel for Moscow’s energy revenues.
About two-thirds of Europe’s LNG already comes from the United States after the bloc ramped up alternative fuel purchases to replace Russian supply.
That U.S. share could climb to 80% by the end of the decade, raising fears in Europe that it is swapping dependence on Russia for leverage from Washington.
Those concerns have sharpened as ties with the Trump administration deteriorate over tariff threats, Greenland demands and divisions over the U.S. war with Iran.
As Europe swaps Russian gas for American LNG, could this new dependency become a dangerous bargaining chip in future transatlantic trade disputes?
With specific exemptions allowing continued Russian LNG shipping globally, is the European Union's massive energy blockade actually bleeding the Kremlin dry?
From Russia to the US: How Europe’s LNG Surge Risks $100 Billion in Stranded Assets and Undermines the Green Transition
Overview
In 2026, the EU faces a complex energy dilemma. Despite strict plans to phase out Russian gas by 2027, record LNG imports from Russia surged due to regulatory loopholes and market pressures. This shift, driven by crises like heatwaves and Middle East turmoil, led Europe to rely heavily on US LNG, raising concerns about new dependencies and diminished regulatory autonomy. Rapid LNG infrastructure expansion now risks leaving many assets stranded by 2030, with financial burdens likely falling on consumers. Meanwhile, the EU’s ambitious green transition is challenged by funding gaps and slow project delivery, making the balance between energy security and climate goals increasingly difficult.