EU policymakers are weighing the possibility of tightening sanctions on Russia by limiting imports of its gas, though several diplomats say a ban on pipeline gas may not be included in the 11th sanctions package. The debate centers on who would be willing to bear the economic impact, with countries that rely on pipe gas from Russia voicing concerns about disruption and supply security. A diplomat briefed on the discussions noted that such a move is unlikely to gain ground in the current negotiations, especially given the divergent interests among EU members that still depend on Russian pipeline gas for a portion of their energy mix. Another insider reinforced this view, stressing that the 11th package is nearly complete and that attempts to wedge a gas ban into the text are unlikely to succeed. The outcome, observers say, will hinge on balancing energy reliability with political pressure to curb Moscow’s revenue through fossil fuel sales.
Historically, Russia accounted for a sizable share of EU gas imports, but the landscape has evolved. The energy mix has shifted considerably, with the dependence on Russian supply diminishing as diversification efforts take hold. The reduction reflects a combination of reduced pipeline deliveries and the expansion of alternative sources, including liquefied natural gas and other regional suppliers. This trend has contributed to a notable decrease in the share of Russian gas in the European energy portfolio, altering the leverage dynamics in ongoing sanctions discussions and complicating any unilateral move to ban Russian gas outright.
European energy policy leaders emphasize the potential role of LNG in future strategy. Teresa Ribera, the former Spanish minister of energy, has indicated that EU countries could move toward banning LNG imports from Russia sooner than anticipated. Reports describe Ribera as signaling a proactive stance, noting that she sent inquiries to major LNG buyers urging caution with new Russian contracts. According to her account, the companies contacted pledged not to enter into new agreements, suggesting a broader, early-term shift in purchasing behavior that could foreshadow tighter controls on Russian LNG supply. The dialogue underscores how national-level decisions intersect with EU-wide goals to reduce dependence on Moscow’s energy exports while maintaining energy security for member states.