Europe has toughened its stance! Just before Russia holds its grand parade on May 9th, the EU has dealt a heavy blow to Russia. On May 6th, according to AFP reports, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated: The cruel war in Ukraine has brutally exposed the risks of blackmail, economic coercion, and price shocks. Now is the time for Europe to completely cut ties with unreliable suppliers. The energy of our continent should not pay for the war of aggression against Ukraine.
Clearly, while 19 heads of state are attending the grand Russian parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of victory in World War II, the EU is delivering a cold response to Russia. After more than three years of the war between Ukraine and Russia, the EU chose this moment to declare that it will stop purchasing any Russian energy. This move by the EU is obviously intended to dampen Russia's spirits, but it also aims to make Russia pay an economic price.
Relevant data shows that in 2024, the EU imported 32 billion cubic meters of Russian natural gas via pipelines and 20 billion cubic meters of Russian liquefied natural gas. If it completely excludes Russian energy, this would indeed have a certain impact on Russia. However, although the EU intends to do so, the implementation of the EU's energy de-Russification faces significant resistance. In fact, such a plan requires approval from all 27 member states of the EU.
However, over 80% of Slovakia and Hungary's oil still comes from Russia, and these two countries also import large amounts of Russian natural gas. Therefore, Slovakia and Hungary are very likely to oppose such a plan. For Europe to make Russia pay a greater price, this would undoubtedly be a lose-lose situation for both sides. But we must admit that the EU reducing its dependence on Russian energy is already an inevitable trend.
Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1831387860514187/
Disclaimer: The article solely represents the author's personal views.