www.gandul.ro/actualitate/ipocrizia-europei-import

European leaders have been addressing energy independence and reducing reliance on Russian gas for over two decades. The annexation of Crimea in 2014 initiated the concept of an "Energy Union," aimed at diversifying energy sources. However, the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 marked a significant turning point, leading to the launch of the REPowerEU plan by the European Commission to eliminate dependence on Russian hydrocarbons. Despite this, European countries imported a record 12.18 million tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia in early 2026, spending 7.88 billion euros. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte acknowledged Europe's ongoing reliance on Russian gas imports, highlighting that the EU remains the largest global buyer of Russian LNG, with nearly 50% of Russia's LNG exports going to EU countries. The EU plans to impose bans on Russian LNG imports starting January 1, 2027, while reactions to U.S. agreements with Russia have sparked criticism among European leaders.