Natural gas imports into the European Union have decreased by 9% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, according to an IEEFA analysis cited by Euro News. The decline is mainly due to the suspended transit of Russian gas through Ukraine. At the same time, the EU is increasing its dependence on liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The decrease in gas consumption in the bloc is explained by more energy-efficient technologies and the expansion of renewable energy sources. The three largest suppliers in the first half of the year were Norway (55%), Algeria (19%) and Russia via Turkey (10%).
While the EU is considering a complete cut-off of Russian gas by 2027, Turkey provides Moscow with a “backdoor“ to the European market. Total Russian gas imports have fallen from over 150 billion cubic meters in 2021 to under 52 billion in 2024.
Imports of US LNG are expected to increase further following a new trade agreement with the US, which envisages the supply of energy worth $250 billion per year. The president of the American Energy Association, Mark Menezes, called the EU's rejection of Russian gas “a huge opportunity” for the US.
Experts warn that a massive increase in LNG will be difficult to achieve due to falling demand, and the European Court of Auditors has expressed concerns about growing dependence on imports, the need for decarbonisation and compliance with European environmental standards, including controls on methane emissions.
“The bloc cannot afford to be complacent about security of supply, and consumers have no guarantees of availability in the event of serious shortages,“ said João Leão of the Court of Auditors.