France has significantly increased its imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia, despite European efforts to reduce reliance on Russian energy. According to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), French LNG imports from Russia rose by 81% between 2023 and 2024, generating €2.68 billion for Moscow. France’s five regasification terminals, among the largest in Europe, play a key role in this trend.
Germany’s Indirect Dependence
While Germany has been vocal in opposing Russian energy, its reliance on LNG imports through France raises questions about its true level of energy independence. France’s Dunkirk terminal alone handled 27% of Europe’s Russian LNG imports last year. With Germany historically lacking its own LNG terminals, some suspect that a portion of French imports is redirected to its neighbor.
The European Union aimed to replace Russian pipeline gas with LNG, yet nearly one-third of its LNG still comes from Russia. Another third is sourced from the U.S., with 17% from Algeria. The EU’s goal to eliminate Russian gas by 2027 faces challenges, especially as gas demand, after a temporary decline in 2022, is stabilizing.
Future of LNG in Europe
Despite efforts to reduce consumption, European energy firms continue preparing for expanded LNG imports. Germany, in particular, is constructing new LNG terminals, signaling that Russian gas may remain a key player in Europe’s energy landscape for years to come.