In 2024, the European Union spent 23 billion euros on Russian energy resources, despite a significant reduction in their consumption. This was stated by European Commissioner for Energy Dan Jørgensen during a debate in the European Parliament. According to him, by 2022, approximately half of the coal imported into the EU was of Russian origin. This figure has now decreased to zero, as coal imports from Russia have been completely halted.
This is reported by Kyiv24
As for oil, its share has dropped from 27% to 3%, and for gas, from 45% in 2022 to 13% in 2024. Despite this trend, the EU is still paying Russia significant amounts for energy resources — in 2024, this amounted to 23 billion euros. Jørgensen emphasized that this sum is evidence that completely eliminating Russian gas in the short term is currently impossible.
Plan for Gradual Phase-Out of Russian Gas and New Regulations
The European Commissioner explained that by 2027, a gradual phase-out of Russian gas from the EU energy markets is planned, with all other energy sources to follow by 2030. As part of this plan, the EU is implementing new rules that will allow for monitoring the flow of Russian gas in the market and strengthening control over illegal imports of oil products through the shadow fleet of Russian vessels.
“We recommend submitting the first plans this year to ensure that the phase-out is safe and well-prepared. Additionally, we will strengthen control over illegal oil entering the market through the Russian shadow fleet”
The European Commissioner noted that these measures are part of a broader plan to realign trade relations with Russia in the context of security risks. He confirmed that Europe has no intention of using the “Nord Stream” for transporting Russian energy, as this contradicts the economic security interests of the union. Jørgensen stressed that all planned steps are aimed at creating a safer, more sustainable, and diversified energy supply in Europe.
According to media reports, this week the EU will propose to the G7 countries to lower the price of Russian tanker oil from 60 to 50 US dollars per barrel as part of price-capping measures. In May, the European Commission presented an action plan for a complete phase-out of Russian energy resources, and according to the implemented measures, the share of Russian gas imports has decreased from 45% to 19%, although a recovery is observed in 2024. This necessitates further steps to achieve energy independence and stable prices in the region.