The European Union is prepared to discuss U.S. demands to increase imports of American gas, following pressure from President Donald Trump to avoid tariffs.
Trump, sworn in for a second term, urged the EU to boost purchases of U.S. oil and gas as part of his broader strategy to expand fossil fuel exports. Shortly after taking office, he lifted restrictions on new liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects imposed during the previous administration.
The U.S. is already the EU’s second-largest gas supplier and the leading source of LNG, accounting for over half of European imports this year, partly due to reduced Russian gas supplies. However, recent cold weather has driven record Russian LNG imports, complicating the EU’s energy diversification goals.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen previously supported increasing U.S. LNG imports to replace Russian energy. However, Germany’s Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck noted that his country, which sources 90% of its LNG from the U.S., has little room to increase purchases. Mandating specific suppliers would contradict market principles, he warned.
The EU aims to balance energy security and economic considerations in forthcoming talks with U.S. officials.
