BRUSSELS — The European Union has opted not to impose a complete ban on purchasing liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia in its latest sanctions package, despite growing calls from certain member states to outlaw imports of this significant energy resource. Sources within the EU, speaking on condition of anonymity, have revealed that the European Commission is preparing to formally unveil its 16th sanctions package against Russia.
Details of the new sanctions package
According to informed diplomats, the latest proposal will not feature a comprehensive prohibition on LNG imports, a move that has been advocated by more hardline EU members. Instead, the package will restrict Russian LNG shipments to EU terminals that are not linked to the EU’s gas infrastructure. This limitation is unlikely to impact the majority of LNG imports received by the bloc.
Additionally, the sanctions package will address other aspects of Russia’s energy sector. It is expected to impose penalties on aging oil-exporting tankers that are part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, targeting around 74 new vessels, as confirmed by diplomatic sources. In a broader scope, the EU aims to tighten restrictions on aluminum exports from Russia, given its reliance on the country for approximately 6 percent of its aluminum imports.
Response from EU members
The absence of a ban on LNG has caused disappointment among several EU nations advocating for a stronger stance against Russian energy imports. Last month, ten member states, including Finland, Poland, and the Baltic countries, urged the European Commission to implement an immediate ban on Russian gas and LNG. Lithuanian Energy Minister Žygimantas Vaičiūnas expressed his discontent, stating,
“It’s a pity… To a certain extent, we are disappointed.”
However, he remained optimistic about a forthcoming EU roadmap aimed at eliminating all energy ties with Russia.
The timing of this sanctions package is particularly notable, as recent reports indicate that the EU imported record levels of LNG from Russia last month, with exports increasing by nearly 20 percent compared to 2023. While the EU has successfully restricted most imports of Russian coal and oil, efforts to limit gas purchases have continually faced resistance from nations like Hungary.
The majority of Russian LNG arrives at key ports in Spain, Belgium, and France, primarily sourced from the Yamal LNG plant, located in the icy regions of northern Siberia. Furthermore, several EU countries continue to engage in indirect purchases of Russian LNG, with reports indicating that it constituted up to 9 percent of Germany’s gas imports in 2023.