Since the start of the full-scale war, Russia has generated almost €800B from the sale of energy resources, of which €33B has been paid by EU countries for Russian LNG.
The Center for Economic Strategy believes that Russian gas income can be significantly reduced with customs duty. Currently, Russian LNG is imported into the EU at a zero, most favored nation (MFN) rate, as Russia is a member of the World Trade Organization. Despite sanctions introduced in 2022, Russian gas supplies have only increased, particularly since September: imports have increased by almost 40%, and the share of Russian resources has increased from 11% to nearly 20%.
At the same time, the EU countries continue to conclude long-term contracts with Moscow for gas purchases until 2040. However, a mechanism exists to force Russia to pay a type of war tax by introducing a duty on Russian LNG in EU countries. This approach is legal, has the political and legal prerequisites necessary for adoption, and is ready for implementation.