EU postpones implementation of sanctions against Russian LNG imports

European officials have abandoned the idea of ​​pushing for a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports.

This was due to resistance from some governments and uncertainty about alternative sources of supply, EU officials told Reuters.

Instead, the Commission wants to agree a new roadmap to end the bloc’s dependence on Russian energy by 2027. The plan is due to be announced in early May, but details are not yet known.

The European Commission is expected to propose a 17th package of sanctions against Russia by June, although officials say work on the measures is progressing slowly. The Commission last raised the idea of ​​a ban on Russian LNG imports with EU governments in January, when it was finalising its 16th package of proposals.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he wants the EU to buy more US gas, and EU officials are looking at it as a potential negotiating tool to persuade the US administration to drop its tariffs. However, Washington has not yet clearly outlined its demands.

The EU trade representative met his US counterpart on April 14 to discuss the start of talks. The Commission said the meeting was part of an “assessment phase” and stressed that Washington still had to clarify its demands.

“The EU is doing its part. Now it is necessary for the US to define its position. As in every negotiation, this should be a two-way street,” the statement said.

One official said the European Commission did not want to risk losing Russian LNG to sanctions and thereby give away its negotiating position.

The Commission and EU governments are also wary of creating a new dependency on the United States, which is the bloc’s third-largest gas supplier after Russia and Norway.

USM previously reported that Lithuania is pushing for sanctions against Russian LNG and the shadow fleet.