EU's Russian LNG Imports Hit Record High Ahead of 2027 Ban

In the first half of 2026, the EU imported a record amount of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), absorbing nearly all output from Russia's Yamal LNG facility, as nations stockpiled ahead of a planned 2027 phase-out ban. This surge highlights Europe's dependency on Russian energy despite long-term efforts to reduce reliance, raising concerns about future energy security and geopolitical tensions. The data underscores the urgency for the EU to diversify its energy sources and the potential challenges in meeting its green energy goals.