What really happened to the gas supply going into Europe?

Описание: In this video, Dr Rossetto provides an overview of the European gas transit crisis in 2006 and the implications it brought for European - and in particular German - energy security. During the overview Dr Rossetto calls upon his own experiences working in the pan-European energy markets over the last two decades along with details of key events that have shaped the current situation.

The question of whether Russia unilaterally cut off gas supplies to Europe in the last few years is more complex than it first appears. For decades, many member states of the European Union have relied heavily on Russian gas due to limited domestic resources, with much of it transiting through Ukraine and Belarus. This dependency created vulnerabilities, highlighted in crises such as the 2006 gas transit dispute, when Russia accused Ukraine of diverting gas that was otherwise destined for Europe. The standoff briefly halted supplies to Europe and underscored how fragile the system was. In response, Russia and European partners, especially Germany, invested in alternative routes like the Nord Stream pipeline, designed to bypass Ukraine altogether and ensure more stable deliveries.

Over time, however, relations between Russia and the EU became increasingly strained. Russia pursued diversification by developing pipelines toward China, while European nations explored alternatives such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) from suppliers as far and wide as the U.S. and Qatar, albeit at higher costs. Tensions escalated further when the U.S. opposed the Nord Stream 2 project, introducing legislation to sanction companies involved in its construction. The U.S. argued that this project would deepen European dependence on Russia. By 2019, commercial and geopolitical frictions were clear, and by 2022 — amid the military conflict in Ukraine — gas flows to Germany were reduced. Russia claimed sanctions prevented it from maintaining pipelines, while European leaders insisted Moscow was deliberately weaponising energy. The situation worsened after an explosion damaged the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, leaving physical infrastructure compromised.

Ultimately, this story is one of decades-long interdependence complicated by geopolitics, infrastructure disputes, and shifting alliances. While Russia at times sought cooperative solutions, such as alternative pipelines, the broader picture is one of declining trust and increasing confrontation. Today, Germany and the EU face the difficult task of securing affordable, reliable energy without Russian supplies, turning more to LNG and other sources despite higher costs. Russia, on the other hand, pursues opportunities to supply gas to the Far East and other key Eurasian markets. The issue remains unresolved and continues to affect Europe’s industrial competitiveness and energy security.

#gas #LNG #news #russia #germany #unitedstates #gastransit #ukraine #italy #china

LINKS:
Clean Energy Wire - https://www.cleanenergywire.org/facts...
U.S. Department of State - https://2017-2021.state.gov/fact-shee...
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