welt.de
EU Gas Imports from Russia Increased by 18% in 2024 Despite Sanctions
Despite EU sanctions and a stated goal to end imports by 2027, the EU imported 18% more Russian gas in 2024 than in 2023, primarily through pipeline gas and LNG, with Italy, Czechia, and France showing the largest increases; this continues despite rising gas prices and a lack of increased demand.
- What is the immediate impact of the EU's continued import of Russian gas, despite sanctions and stated goals of independence?
- Despite EU sanctions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the EU imported 18% more Russian gas in 2024 than in 2023, including pipeline gas and LNG, according to Ember. This is despite a stated goal of ending Russian gas imports by 2027, a non-binding target. Since the start of 2025, Ukraine has halted Russian gas transit.
- How do the increased Russian gas imports in 2024, particularly by specific EU countries, relate to the EU's overall energy strategy and geopolitical relationships?
- Increased Russian gas imports, particularly by Italy, Czechia, and France, occurred despite rising gas prices (nearly 60% in 2024) and a lack of increased EU demand. This contradicts the EU's stated aim of energy independence from Russia and fuels Russia's war effort.
- What are the long-term implications of the EU's current energy reliance on Russia and other potentially unstable sources, considering projected supply surpluses and geopolitical risks?
- The EU's continued reliance on Russian gas highlights the challenges of rapid energy transition. While diversification efforts focus on the US and Norway, geopolitical instability and a projected LNG surplus by 2030 raise concerns about long-term energy security and the effectiveness of current EU strategies. The EU's financial commitment to Russian fossil fuels since the war's start is estimated at the cost of 2400 F-35 fighter jets.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and introduction emphasize the continued import of Russian gas, framing it as a negative and scandalous issue. The use of strong terms like "Skandal" and quotes highlighting criticism of the EU's actions contribute to a negative framing. While the EU's challenges and efforts are mentioned, they are overshadowed by the repeated focus on the continued Russian gas imports. This framing potentially shapes public perception toward a negative view of the EU's energy policy.
Language Bias
The article uses loaded language, such as "Skandal" (scandal) and describes the situation as "unhaltbar" (unacceptable). These terms carry strong negative connotations and influence reader perception. Neutral alternatives could include "problematic," "concerning," or describing the situation with factual details without emotional language. The repeated emphasis on the negative aspects further contributes to a biased tone.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the continued import of Russian gas by the EU, but omits discussion of the EU's overall energy strategy and efforts to transition away from fossil fuels. While mentioning the EU's goal of independence from Russian fossil fuels and plans for a roadmap, it lacks detail on other initiatives like renewable energy development or energy efficiency programs. This omission creates an incomplete picture, potentially leading readers to overemphasize the negative aspect of continued Russian gas imports without understanding the broader context of EU energy policy.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the situation as a simple choice between continuing to import Russian gas and immediately switching to renewables. It implies that the only alternative to Russian gas is renewables, ignoring the complexities of a rapid transition, the role of other fossil fuel sources, and the need for a diverse energy mix. This oversimplification misrepresents the challenges and possibilities of the energy transition.
Sustainable Development Goals
The EU's continued import of Russian gas, despite the war in Ukraine and the resulting high prices, undermines efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This contradicts the goals of the Paris Agreement and the EU's own climate targets. The increase in gas prices also contributes to economic instability, potentially hindering investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency measures. The quote "It is a scandal that the EU is still importing Russian gas," highlights the negative impact on climate action. The article also mentions that the EU aims to become independent of fossil fuels from Russia, highlighting the existing contradiction between stated goals and actions.