The war in the Middle East has posed a serious challenge to Europe’s energy system. Despite progress in developing “green” energy, the EU continues to spend billions on gas imports.
According to RBC-Ukraine, citing Euronews, even with savings from solar energy—which amounted to 12.8 billion euros as of early June—the European Union remains dependent on fossil fuel imports.
Gas imports are not decreasing everywhere
According to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), since March, imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the EU have decreased by 1.2%, and in the UK by 20%.
IEEFA energy analyst Ana Maria Yaller-Makarevich notes that the EU is increasingly aware of the limitations of the model that called for increased LNG imports following the 2022 energy crisis. At the same time, the situation varies across countries. Some nations are cutting back on purchases, while others are increasing them.
The largest increase in LNG imports was recorded in Germany—up 72% compared to the same period last year. Italy and Belgium also increased their purchases.
