EU Sanctions on Russian Imports Threaten German Fish and Gas Supplies

The European Union is debating sanctions on Russian fish imports that could jeopardise Germany's fish‑processing sector. Imports of Alaska pollack and wild salmon, used for German fish sticks, are estimated to contain 55‑72 % Russian content. The Thünen Institute warned that a ban would harm production, jobs and prices, while France and Portugal have pushed for an exemption to protect their own seafood industries.

At the same time, Europe has been buying record volumes of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) ahead of a planned EU import ban. In the first half of 2026, EU states imported 9.9 million tonnes of Russian LNG, a rise of 18 % year‑on‑year, with France the largest buyer and Belgium’s Zeebrugge hub handling much of the cargo. Germany, reliant on re‑gasified LNG transiting through Belgium and the Netherlands, faces low storage levels—only about 44 % full—raising concerns about winter supply security. The German government is planning a strategic gas reserve of 24 TWh to mitigate potential shortages.