EU Spent €7.2 Billion On Russian LNG in 2025, Maximizing Imports Before 2027 Ban Europe keeps buying Russian fuel without any noticeable slowdown with less than 12 months remaining before an EU ban on the import of Russian LNG takes effect. Highlighting the ineffectiveness of existing EU half-measures, including the transshipment ban, Belgium more than doubled its imports from Yamal LNG in 2025, simply keeping LNG once the re-export ban took effect.
Spain and Belgium Buy Russian Arctic Gas at Record Rate, Officials Unsure How to Stop Imports European countries continue to buy more than half of Russia’s gas production. Throughout 2023 Spain emerged as a major importer surpassing previous record buyers France and Belgium, without concerted European effort to reduce import volumes. Norway also continues to expand its LNG portfolio, including to destinations outside the EU.
