Several major European energy companies, particularly from France and Germany, are reportedly ready to increase imports of Russian gas as transatlantic trade tensions with the United States intensify, according to a Reuters report published on April 14.
Support for renewing Russian gas imports is growing amid fears that the European Union is becoming overly reliant on American liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Didier Holleaux, head of French energy company Engie, told Reuters that Russian supplies could still cover a significant share of the EU’s energy needs. “If a reasonable peace is achieved in Ukraine,” he said, “then we can discuss Russian gas deliveries to Europe at the level of 60–70 billion cubic meters per year.” Before the war in Ukraine, Russian gas accounted for 40% of EU imports. Holleaux now estimates that figure could return to 20–25%.
Patrick Pouyanné, CEO of TotalEnergies, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of supply diversification. “We need many routes, not just one or two,” he told Reuters. “Europe will never go back to importing 150 billion cubic meters from Russia like before the war… but I would bet on 70 billion cubic meters.”
The EU had previously committed to ending Russian gas imports by 2027, but according to Reuters, the publication of the roadmap has been delayed twice.
In Germany, particularly at the Leuna chemical park, a major industrial site hosting companies like Dow Chemical and Shell, officials are calling for a swift return to Russian gas supplies. “We need Russian gas, we need cheap energy—no matter where it comes from,” said Klaus Paur, Managing Director of Leuna-Harze. He added that restoring pipeline flows through Nord Stream 2 could help control soaring energy costs.
“We are in a deep crisis, and we can’t afford to wait,” stated Christof Günther, Managing Director of InfraLeuna, the industrial park’s operator.
In recent years, EU countries have leaned heavily on LNG from the United States. In 2024, U.S. gas accounted for 16.7% of the EU’s imports, trailing just behind Russia’s 18.8%. But in the first quarter of 2025, U.S. deliveries surpassed those from Russia.
Still, growing unease over dependence on U.S. energy is pushing European policymakers to reassess their strategy. A diplomatic source told Reuters that U.S. gas could become a “lever of influence.” Analysts also warned that U.S. exports could shrink if domestic demand rises.
