European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared on Thursday during the IEA summit on energy security that the EU Commission plans to unveil measures next month to phase out fossil fuel imports from Russia.
Von der Leyen stated that in two weeks, the Commission will unveil a ‘roadmap’ detailing specific steps to eliminate all imports of Russian fossil fuels, ensuring that Europe no longer depends on a hostile power for energy.
The proposal, initially planned for release in March, was postponed due to increasing concerns about tariffs introduced by U.S. President Trump.
The EU’s ‘REPowerEU’ initiative has accelerated the clean energy transition, reducing Russian gas imports from 45% to 18% in 2024. While the bloc aims to end Russian fossil fuel imports by 2027, progress has been hindered by political and logistical challenges. Notably, Russian coal imports have been completely eliminated, and Russian oil imports have been substantially curtailed.
Diversification efforts—such as increased reliance on Norwegian pipeline imports and U.S. LNG—have effectively addressed Europe’s immediate needs. Additionally, von der Leyen emphasized that Europe’s long-term energy security must prioritize domestically produced low-carbon energy, highlighting a plan to invest 100 billion euros in advancing European clean energy manufacturing.
Despite cutting off pipeline gas, Russian LNG accounted for 19% of EU supplies in 2024, following Ukraine’s decision not to renew its Gazprom transit deal in December.
Dan Jorgensen, the EU Commissioner for Energy and Housing, called for comprehensive strategies to ensure energy security, lower decarbonization costs, and combat climate change. He noted that Europe is rapidly expanding renewable energy deployment and integrating energy systems, resulting in annual savings of 60 billion euros.
MOST READ | India Plans Full Trade Ban on Pakistan After Pahalgam Terror Attack
