Washington has launched a new warning to the European Union about its persistent energy dependence on Russiadescribing it as an “addiction” that puts the security and strategic coherence of the bloc at risk. Despite the multiple sanctions packages imposed since the beginning of the, Brussels still maintains significant energy ties with Moscow, especially regarding liquefied natural gas (LNG) and oil arriving by pipeline.
American pressure has been key for the European Commission to accelerate the preparation of its nineteenth package of sanctions, which seeks to close the gaps that have allowed Russia to continue benefiting from its energy exports. The proposed measures include the ban on new investments in Russian LNG projects and the imposition of sanctions on foreign companies that refine Russian crude, such as Nayara Energy in India.
The United States has urged European countries to permanently cut energy ties with Russia, noting that this dependence not only weakens Europe’s geopolitical position. The warning has had an effect even in traditionally reticent countries such as Hungary and Slovakia, which have agreed to move forward with new restrictions.
In addition, Brussels is considering imposing tariffs on Russian oil that still enters through the Druzhba pipeline, a measure that would directly affect the Member States who continue to receive crude oil through this route. Although some European leaders have expressed their concern, diplomatic pressure from Washington has made it difficult to stop this initiative.
This new shift in European strategy reflects a growing alignment with the interests of the United States, which seeks a more firm and coordinated response to Russian aggression. However, for sanctions to be truly effective, a joint and sustained commitment between both blocks.
