The European Union has dropped the idea of introducing a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas imports due to the resistance of some governments, the uncertain situation regarding alternative sources and EU-US relations, Reuters reports, citing European officials.
According to them, a number of European countries have spoken out against sanctions against Russian LNG unless the European Union establishes alternative supply channels. At the same time, dependence on American fuel has ceased to be seen as an advantage after Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election, as he uses energy resources as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations with Brussels.
On April 15, European Commission spokeswoman Ariana Podesta said that the EU is unlikely to become dependent on US LNG. The European publication Politico, citing its sources, reported that the EU plans to resume negotiations with the US on expanding gas imports.
European Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen earlier admitted that the EU's campaign to abandon Russian fuel is failing and that Europe needs foreign energy resources. He expressed hope that Brussels and Washington "will continue to be" partners.