French EP MP Thierry Mariani argues that the European Union could begin negotiations over gas supplies from Russia within a matter of months. He voiced this view in a recent interview with a Paris-based newspaper, indicating that discussions might be on the horizon as Europe seeks to secure its energy future amid ongoing supply concerns.
When asked whether he would support the idea of resuming gas deliveries through Nord Stream as a response to the energy crisis, Mariani stated that talks on Russia’s gas supply are likely to commence in the near term. He framed the issue as a strategic question for the EU, balancing energy security with political considerations that have shaped policy since Moscow’s actions impacted supply routes.
Mariani suggested that currently the leaders of EU member states are wary of potential discontent from the United States or pressure from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which could influence the pace and scope of any discussions with Russia. The tension between energy needs and geopolitical alignments remains a key factor in shaping the bloc’s approach to Moscow.
Europe is enduring a relatively mild winter at the moment, which has helped prevent widespread power outages so far. Nevertheless, energy prices remain high, and households have faced elevated bills as energy procurement strategies struggle to deliver immediate relief. Alternative measures have yet to produce reliable, long-term results, and collective procurement efforts have not delivered the hoped-for price reductions.
Mariani emphasized that Russia is a neighboring country to the European Union and that, in the long run, renewed cooperation with Moscow could be in Europe’s interest. He underscored a belief that pragmatic energy diplomacy should be part of the EU’s broader strategy to diversify supplies, stabilize prices, and reduce overreliance on a single source of gas over time.
Earlier, a statement from the Hungarian Ministry of Energy reiterated the view that Europe will not be able to fully sever its dependence on Russian gas within a two-year horizon, highlighting the persistent structural challenges in shifting away from established supply relationships. The discussion around Nord Stream and other routes continues to shape the energy policy debate across EU capitals, with citizens watching how decisions today will influence prices, reliability, and long-term resilience.
[Citation: European energy policy discourse, attribution to public statements and regional analyses]