Achilles' Heel - LNG Imports from Russia to the EU Reached Record Levels 0 16

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Russia to EU countries in the first quarter of 2026 reached the highest level since the beginning of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine more than four years ago. In the first three months of this year, the European Union imported 6.9 billion cubic meters of Russian LNG, which is 16% more than a year earlier, the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) - a global network of energy finance analysts - reported to AFP on Wednesday, May 13.

According to its data, the main recipients of Russian LNG were France, Spain, and Belgium. In particular, France "imported more Russian LNG in the first quarter of 2026 than any other European country," reaching a new record level in January, IEEFA noted. The growth of European LNG imports from Russia continued in April, when the figure increased by 17% year-on-year, it was further noted.

"Achilles' Heel of European Energy Strategy"

Experts from the American analytical center believe that this data highlights Europe's dependence on Russian gas. LNG has become the "Achilles' heel of the European energy security strategy," said IEEFA energy expert Ana Maria Jaller-Makarevich.

According to her, Europe's transition from Russian pipeline gas to LNG was supposed to ensure supply reliability and diversification, but disruptions caused by the war in Iran and excessive dependence on American LNG indicate a failure of these plans.

Europe is Trying to Reduce Gas Supplies from Russia

Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the EU has been making efforts to reduce dependence on Russian pipeline gas and diversify LNG imports. According to the European Commission, in 2025, LNG accounted for 45% of the total natural gas imports to the EU, while the remaining share was supplied via pipelines.

Nevertheless, Russian gas continues to flow into Europe, and Russia remains the second-largest supplier of LNG to the European Union. According to the European Commission, Norway remained the largest supplier of natural gas to the EU by total volume (pipeline gas and LNG) in the first quarter (31%), followed by the USA (28%) and Russia (14%).

According to Brussels' plan, supplies of Russian gas are to be completely halted by 2027. IEEFA analysts believe that by 2028, the EU will be able to source 80 percent of its LNG imports from the USA.