Imports of Russian liquefied natural gas to Europe in the first quarter of 2026 increased by 16% year-on-year and reached the highest quarterly level since 2022. This is evidenced by data from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis.
According to analysts, the main recipients of Russian LNG in Europe remain France, Spain and Belgium. The Netherlands and Portugal also imported Russian LNG in the first quarter. Russia’s share in European LNG imports was 13%.
In the overall structure of EU gas imports, including pipeline gas and LNG, Russia retains a significant share, despite Brussels’ plans to completely abandon Russian energy carriers. The EU Council previously adopted a decision on a phased ban on Russian gas imports with transitional periods for existing contracts.
Analysts note that the growth in LNG purchases demonstrates the vulnerability of European energy security against the backdrop of geopolitical instability. This remains a challenge for the EU in the process of diversifying supplies and reducing dependence on Russia.
