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Russian LNG imports rise in EU despite energy transition goals
Despite European Union efforts to reduce dependence on Russian energy, imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) rose by approximately 15 percent in June compared to the same month last year. Major buyers include France, Belgium, and Spain.
The European Commission attributed this increase to several factors: the recent implementation of a ban on short-term contracts in March, geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz accelerating deliveries, and companies ramping up purchases ahead of the January 2027 ban on long-term contracts. The Commission maintains that the overall share of Russian energy in the European market is declining.
Energy experts have criticized the policy as inconsistent, noting that while the EU advocates for sanctions and support for Ukraine, the continued import of Russian LNG is estimated to contribute 60 million euros daily to the Russian budget. Additionally, global supply uncertainties have impacted gas storage levels; for instance, Croatia's Okoli underground storage is currently at 51 percent capacity, down from 65 percent during the same period last year.
Entities
Anna-Kaisa Itkonen · Davor Stern · European Commission · European Union · Okoli
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [DISPUTED] EU imports of Russian LNG rose by approximately 15 percent in June compared to June of the previous year. vecer.mk · vijesti.hrt.hr · www.index.hr
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Okoli gas storage in Croatia is currently at 51 percent capacity. vecer.mk · vijesti.hrt.hr · www.index.hr
- [● 3 SOURCES] The European Union aims to cease imports of Russian LNG by 2027. vecer.mk · vijesti.hrt.hr · www.index.hr
- [● 3 SOURCES] The ban on long-term contracts will take effect in January 2027. vecer.mk · vijesti.hrt.hr · www.index.hr
- [● 3 SOURCES] The ban on short-term contracts came into force in March. vecer.mk · vijesti.hrt.hr · www.index.hr
- [● 3 SOURCES] France, Belgium, and Spain are among the major buyers of Russian LNG in the EU. vecer.mk · vijesti.hrt.hr · www.index.hr
- [● 3 SOURCES] The situation in the Strait of Hormuz accelerated Russian LNG deliveries. vecer.mk · vijesti.hrt.hr · www.index.hr
- [● 3 SOURCES] Russian LNG imports are estimated to provide 60 million euros per day to the Russian budget. vecer.mk · vijesti.hrt.hr · www.index.hr