Sanctions on Russian LNG and natural gas imports
1.12.2023
Question for written answer E-003523/2023/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 138
Kathleen Van Brempt (S&D)
By 2027, Russian gas, oil and coal imports should be phased out. There is a ban in place for coal and seaborne oil, but not for natural gas/liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports.
After the US, Russia is still the second largest supplier of LNG to the EU, representing 12 % of total imports, leading to USD 10 million of daily revenue for Russia.
Fluxys, the Belgium-based natural gas transmission operator, owns a gas terminal in Zeebrugge, which is one of the major transit hubs for Russian LNG. Fluxys has a long-term contract until 2039 with Russian Yamal LNG, supplying LNG from North Siberia. Around half of the LNG from Zeebrugge goes to the EU via pipelines. The other half is shipped to China, Japan and other parts of the world.
Fluxys claims that it cannot unilaterally stop imports, owing to breach of contract, juridical consequences and fines. It says it can only act if the EU decides to take action.
In this context:
- 1.Is the Commission planning to propose sanctions to the Council on Russian LNG/gas imports?
- 2.Does it envisage alternative measures to sanctions packages that can enable Fluxys to end its contract with Yamal, while avoiding lawsuits and fines or preventing them from having effect?
Submitted:1.12.2023