EU Urges End to Russian Hydrocarbon Revenue as Airspace violation Raises Tensions
Brussels – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated today that Russia‘s war economy is “supported by the income of its hydrocarbons” and declared, “it’s time to close the tap.” The call to action comes as the EU proposes a nineteenth round of sanctions targeting Russian energy sources, and amid heightened security concerns following a reported airspace violation by Russian fighter jets.
Earlier today, the European Commission proposed the new sanctions package to EU member states. This move builds on existing measures, including a December 2022 decision to halt Russian oil imports – though exemptions remain in place for Hungary and Slovakia. while the EU has significantly reduced its reliance on Russian gas since the invasion of Ukraine, russia still supplied 19% of the EU’s gas in 2024, nearly half of which was in the form of liquefied natural gas, generating ample revenue for Moscow. The Commission initially proposed ending this dependence before the end of 2027, and today suggested accelerating that timeline to January 1, 2027.Discussions among the twenty-seven member states are ongoing, wiht no final decision yet reached.
The push for stricter energy sanctions coincides with escalating regional tensions. Estonia reported today that three Russian fighter planes violated its airspace, an incident described as “an incursion of an unprecedented audacity” by Estonian officials.
Meanwhile,former U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated a willingness to impose new sanctions on Russia, contingent on European nations ceasing their purchases of Russian hydrocarbons. Von der Leyen did not directly address these American conditions, but affirmed following a conversation with President Trump on tuesday that “additional measures” would be taken to increase pressure on Moscow.
