# European energy security and Russian gas dependence > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/european-energy-security-and-russian-gas-dependence > Updated: 2026-10-29T15:04:39.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 4. European leaders and Russian officials have engaged in a dispute regarding the economic consequences of decoupling from Russian natural gas. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the loss of affordable Russian energy has triggered a crisis in European competitiveness and innovation, calling for an integrated European energy market and a focus on low-carbon energy produced within the continent. In response to these shifts, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that moving away from Russian supplies has led to rising costs for European industry and consumers, as well as depleted storage reserves. During the eighth Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), Putin argued that the European Union is undermining its own economic stability and social cohesion by attempting to marginalize Russia in the global gas trade. He attributed market instability to Middle East tensions, deliberate attacks on Russian pipelines, and trade barriers regarding technical equipment. To address energy security, he advocated for coordinated supply strategies similar to OPEC+ and emphasized the necessity of long-term contracts to stimulate global investment. Expanding on this stance, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov criticized the EU decision to move away from Russian gas, labeling the strategy as lacking foresight. In an interview with Izvestia, Peskov argued that abandoning low-cost resources undermines European industrial competitiveness. He specifically questioned the EU plans to keep the Nord Stream pipelines inoperable even if a peace agreement for Ukraine is reached, suggesting that European governments are “cutting the branch they are sitting on.” These tensions coincide with significant price volatility, as gas futures have risen by more than 150 percent this year. ## Claims - Vladimir Putin stated that the role of natural gas in international trade will strengthen. (reported by 3 sources) - The EU and Canada are considering long-term LNG exports to diversify energy sources. (reported by 2 sources) - Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney supports increasing LNG export capacities. (reported by 2 sources) - Carney is willing to support exports from New Brunswick if the fracking ban is lifted. (reported by 2 sources) - The US has become the largest supplier of LNG to the EU following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (reported by 2 sources) - The EU has reduced its gas imports from Russia by three-quarters since the start of the invasion. (reported by 1 source) - European gas storage levels were reported at 74.6 percent, the lowest seasonal level since 2009. (reported by 1 source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-29: Kremlin criticizes EU decision to reject Russian gas Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov warned that the EU's rejection of low-cost Russian gas undermines European economic competitiveness and industrial stability. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kremlin-criticizes-eu-decision-to-reject-russian-gas ### 2026-10-27: Vladimir Putin claims Europe harms its industry by rejecting Russian energy At the GECF forum, Vladimir Putin argued that Europe's rejection of Russian energy sabotages its own industry and causes high costs for consumers and businesses. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vladimir-putin-claims-europe-harms-its-industry-by-rejecting-russian-energy ### 2026-10-27: European Union and Canada explore long-term LNG import partnership The EU and Canada are discussing a long-term LNG export partnership to enhance European energy security and diversify supplies amid high prices and low reserves. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vladimir-putin-warns-of-rising-european-gas-prices ### 2026-09-30: Emmanuel Macron warns loss of Russian gas hurts European competitiveness President Emmanuel Macron warned that losing access to cheap Russian gas has damaged European industrial competitiveness, prompting a mocking response from Russian officials regarding Europe's trade deficits. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/emmanuel-macron-warns-loss-of-russian-gas-hurts-european-competitiveness --- Cite as: European energy security and Russian gas dependence. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/european-energy-security-and-russian-gas-dependence