The EU delayed its Russian energy phaseout roadmap, originally set for March 26, amid concerns over US policy shifts, energy prices, and member state unity.The European Commission gave no new release date but said work continues.
The delay comes ahead of an emergency EU summit on funding Ukraine after President Trump scaled back US security commitments.Hungary and Slovakia, aligned with Russia, have differing views on the EU’s response, making the energy roadmap delay a strategic move to maintain unity.
EU energy spokesperson Anna Kaisa Itkonen confirmed the plan is still in progress but adjusted for geopolitical shifts. The delay contributed to a drop in European gas prices Wednesday.Futures remain volatile amid economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
Winter fuel demand and the Russia-Ukraine transit deal’s end have strained Europe’s gas stockpiles, now at their lowest since 2022.Though pipeline gas from Russia covers under 5% of Europe’s needs, Russia remains the EU’s second-largest LNG supplier, with record purchases last year, mainly by Spain, France, and Belgium.The EU ruled out sanctioning Russian gas due to opposition from Hungary and Slovakia, opting for trade measures instead.
However, concerns over price hikes and legal challenges in exiting contracts remain.Increasing US imports is a key alternative, though some EU officials have reservations.The roadmap delay is unsurprising as Europe still relies on Russian LNG, and dropping gas amid US tariff talks complicates its position, said Florence Schmit of Rabobank.
