“Spain is now the second and third largest importer of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the world, and Belgium’s third, despite Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Brussels Times reports.
European countries condemn the war while putting money in Putin’s pocket
says Jonathan Noronha-Gant of Global Witness.
According to a report published by Global Witness, an environmental and human rights NGO, Belgium bought 17 percent of total Russian LNG exports in the first seven months of this year, with only China (20%) and Spain (18%) buying more .
The study also found that the EU as a whole has significantly increased Russian liquefied gas imports in recent years. In the period January to July 2023, EU countries bought 22 million cubic meters of Russian LNG, or 7 million cubic meters more. more than in the same period of 2021
The EU now buys more than half (52%) of all Russian LNG exports, compared to 49% in 2022 and 39%. in 2021
Part of the Russian LNG imported by Belgium is then exported to other EU member states.
According to the market analysis company ICIS, 4.3 million cubic meters passed the Belgian LNG terminal in Zeebrugge last year on its way to other EU countries. of Russian fossil fuels, an increase of 70%. compared to 2022
In a statement, Global Witness activist Jonathan Noronha-Gant condemned both the moral and environmental consequences of European countries’ decision to increase the purchase of Russian LNG.
Europe’s fossil fuel-based energy system is causing a climate catastrophe and a threat to security, funding bellicose regimes and fueling deadly extreme weather events. European countries condemn the war while putting money in their pockets [prezydenta Rosji Władimira] Putin
– said Noronha-Gant, quoted by the Brussels Times.
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edy/PAP
Source: wPolityce