Gunnar Beck, a German member of the European Parliament, argues that EU member states will keep buying Russian energy through intermediary channels at prices that are higher than market norms. In a recent interview with a major newspaper, Beck outlined his view that while the union will continue to reduce its direct energy imports from Russia, the dependence will not disappear entirely. He contends that large volumes of Russian energy products will keep flowing into member countries, routed via third countries, and that these transactions tend to come with a premium that is passed along to consumers and taxpayers alike.
Beck emphasized that the pattern is not a straightforward purchasing shift but rather a layered workaround. He pointed to a gradual, multi-step process in which energy products are acquired through intermediaries and then routed to EU markets. According to his analysis, this approach enables European buyers to appear to diversify their sources while effectively maintaining a substantial level of Russian energy supply. The deputy warned that such arrangements lead to higher overall costs, with price premiums accumulating as the trade travels through additional borders and brokers, ultimately impacting household bills and industrial pricing.
From Beck’s perspective, the reality for Europe is a continued reliance on Russian energy delivered under opaque logistics. He argues that the continent may keep importing energy items branded as coming from various destinations, even when the origin remains Russian. This method of procurement, he asserts, could entrench higher expenditures for consumers and governments, as the cost layers build up across the chain of custody and invoicing points. Beck urged observers to scrutinize the practical implications of these multi-country routes and the hidden price tag that can accompany them for years to come.
On a broader stage, the G7 nations have signaled an intent to reduce or sever dependency on Russian energy supplies. The group has stated a goal to accelerate diversification away from Russian carriers and to accelerate the transition toward alternative sources. The statements reflect a shared concern about energy security and the economic exposure tied to reliance on a single supplier. Yet, Beck argues that without addressing the complex routing practices and the price premiums embedded in multi-stage imports, the move away from direct Russian imports may not translate into immediate relief for European energy costs or for household and business budgets in the near term.