Torbjörn Becker: EU’s Increased Russian Gas Imports Shift Balance

Despite longstanding goals to reduce dependency on Russian energy, the European Union has increased its imports of Russian liquefied natural gas in early 2026, potentially strengthening Moscow’s economic position, Torbjörn Becker told EFN. The trend highlights the complex energy dynamics affecting Europe’s strategic and economic calculations amid geopolitical pressures.

The EFN report highlights that EU nations imported roughly 5 million tonnes of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Yamal facility in Siberia during the first quarter of 2026, marking a 17 % increase compared to the same period last year. These imports translate into billions of euros flowing into the Russian state, even as sanctions and diversification efforts continue.

“Right now the balance has shifted in Russia’s favor,” said Torbjörn Becker, Director of the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE) and an expert on Russian economic and geopolitical affairs. He explained that increased LNG purchases generate billions of dollars in revenue for the Russian state budget. These funds can support both its domestic economy and military activities. Becker noted that this shift complicates the energy sanctions landscape and calls into question how Europe will balance energy needs with geopolitical strategy.

Experts across Europe remain divided on what rising imports mean for policy. While the EU’s overarching REPowerEU strategy aims to phase out Russian fossil fuel imports by 2027 and enhance energy independence, actual trade data show that Russian LNG remains a significant component of European energy portfolios. In some member states, imports have grown despite broader ambitions to diversify supply and cut ties with Moscow.

To read the full EFN coverage and Torbjörn Becker’s commentary on how increasing Russian gas imports may shift energy and economic balances, see the original article on EFN.se.

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