Here's Why Here’s Why Europe Is Taking Years To Phase Out Russian Gas
Oct 24, 2025
John Ainger, an EU energy reporter, sheds light on Europe's challenging journey to phase out Russian gas, which once supplied 45% of the continent's energy needs. He explains how the 2022 invasion accelerated efforts to cut dependence and discusses the economic impacts, including rising energy costs and industrial shutdowns. Ainger also delves into the complexities of EU policy, detailing why an immediate ban is unfeasible due to member-state disagreements. Lastly, he addresses the potential permanence of the ban, contingent on geopolitical stability.
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Scale Of Europe's Prewar Dependence
- Russian gas once supplied about 45% of EU gas demand before 2022, making Europe heavily dependent on pipeline imports.
- That equated to roughly 150 billion cubic meters, far more than Norway and comparable to 1,500 LNG tankers.
War Catalyzed Energy Transition And Pain
- The 2022 invasion accelerated Europe away from Russian gas and sped up renewables and efficiency policies.
- These shifts cut demand but caused record energy prices and industrial slowdowns across the EU.
Russian Gas Share Has Fallen But Persists
- EU imports of Russian gas have fallen from about 45% to roughly 13% since 2021.
- That remaining share explains why Russia still supplies notable volumes despite major cuts.