EU Working On Limiting Russian LNG Dependence

The European Union is targeting a way for member states to have the option to effectively ban Russian shipments of LNG without implementing new energy sanctions.

• European energy ministers are poised to endorse a proposal that would give member governments the ability to temporarily prevent Russian exporters from up-front booking of infrastructure capacity needed for the shipments according to a documents seen by Bloomberg.
• “We cannot and will not go back to the status quo with Russia as our main gas supplier,” the EU’s energy commissioner Kadri Simson said.
• “I therefore believe that the possibility for member states to temporarily restrict capacities for gas, including LNG, from Russia and Belarus, is an important addition. We need to protect our security of supply.” he added.
• The endorsement is expected to come as part of a broader policy meeting for the ministers today in Brussels.
• Russian LNG flows to Europe have strengthened since the Ukraine invasion – causing concerns for European gas security is it aims to restock inventories this summer.