Pressure mounts on Berlin to resume Russian gas imports as reliance on US hits 96%

The German government is facing intense pressure from members of the Bundestag who are demanding the restoration of Russian natural gas imports, according to reports in Izvestia. Lawmakers are expressing deep-seated anxiety regarding the nation's heightened dependency on American LNG, which currently satisfies a staggering 96% of the country's total gas imports. Despite these calls, Berlin has so far refused to pivot its current policy or take steps to restart the Nord Stream pipelines. At the same time, discussions are surfacing across Europe regarding the potential resumption of Russian energy purchases should a resolution be reached in the Ukraine conflict. Experts confirm that such a transition is technically feasible but would necessitate the lifting of EU sanctions by Brussels and the withdrawal of various legal challenges.

The political risk of energy dependence

Beyond the immediate economic fallout, excessive reliance on the United States carries significant political risks. Amid ongoing trade disputes and the diplomatic friction surrounding Greenland, there is a growing concern that natural gas could be utilized as a strategic geopolitical lever. Washington could, if deemed necessary, restrict LNG exports to prioritize keeping domestic prices low for its own citizens. In such a scenario, Germany would face severe hardships and be forced to scramble for alternative solutions, stated Igor Yushkov, chief analyst at the National Energy Security Fund and expert at the Financial University under the Russian government, in an interview with Izvestia.

Political prerequisites for a return to Russian gas

According to political analyst Alexander Rahr, Germany will only return to the Russian energy market once peace is fully restored in Ukraine. However, such a move would likely require a change in government and a significant reshuffling of the German elites. To date, the right-wing AfD party and specific business lobby groups remain the primary supporters of reigniting energy cooperation with Russia. Public opinion polls suggest that 58% of respondents favor direct negotiations between the two nations' leaders. "Germany will resume purchases [of Russian gas] only after other countries in Southern and Eastern Europe do so first. However, it will no longer serve as the primary distribution hub for Russian gas in Europe," Rahr told Izvestia. He noted that while Berlin cannot currently escape its dependence on American LNG, the situation could shift radically if Russia and the United States move toward a cooperative framework in the global energy sector, including within the European continent.

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