The EU has delayed the implementation of a ban on Russian LNG imports in future sanctions packages.

This decision is influenced by resistance from some EU member governments and uncertainty regarding alternative supply sources. Instead, the European Commission plans to create a new roadmap by May that will lead to the elimination of the bloc’s dependence on Russian energy by 2027.

Notably, US President Trump has repeatedly voiced his desire for the EU to purchase more gas from the US. However, the EU perceives this as a potential leverage point in discussions centered on Trump’s trade tariffs. An official mentioned that the European Commission does not want to risk losing supplies of Russian LNG and “sacrifice its bargaining power.” The bloc is also being cautious because it fears becoming dependent on American gas. Currently, the US ranks as the third-largest supplier of LNG to the EU, following Russia and Norway.

Meanwhile, with the modernization of the TAL oil pipeline now complete, the Czech Republic has achieved its first-ever independence from Russian oil supplies. The country can now transport up to eight million tons of oil annually through Western pipelines, fully satisfying its refineries’ consumption needs.