Fact Check: "EU gas imports from Russia plummet from 45% in 2021 to 13% by 2025"
What We Know
The claim that EU gas imports from Russia will decrease from 45% in 2021 to 13% by 2025 is partially supported by various sources. In 2021, Russia accounted for approximately 45% of the EU's natural gas imports, which is corroborated by multiple reports (BBC, Carnegie Endowment). However, projections for 2024 indicate that Russian gas imports will drop to about 19% of the EU's total gas imports (BBC, Consilium).
The European Commission has set a roadmap to phase out Russian energy imports entirely by 2027, which includes a gradual reduction in gas imports (BBC, European Commission). The roadmap aims for all EU member states to develop national plans to replace Russian gas, oil, and nuclear energy, with an emphasis on enhancing energy efficiency and diversifying energy sources (BBC, European Commission).
Analysis
The claim's assertion that Russian gas imports will fall to 13% by 2025 lacks direct evidence from credible sources. The most reliable projections indicate that by 2024, Russian gas imports will still be around 19% of the EU's total gas imports (BBC, Consilium). While the EU's commitment to reducing its reliance on Russian gas is evident, the timeline and specific percentages remain uncertain.
The sources cited are generally reliable, with the BBC being a well-respected news organization and the European Commission providing official data. However, the Carnegie Endowment source, while credible, focuses on Eastern Europe specifically and may not fully represent the broader EU context (Carnegie Endowment).
Moreover, the claim's projection of 13% by 2025 may stem from optimistic assumptions about the speed of energy transition and diversification efforts, which can be influenced by geopolitical developments and market dynamics. Therefore, while the trend of decreasing reliance on Russian gas is clear, the specific figure of 13% by 2025 is not substantiated by current data.
Conclusion
Verdict: Partially True
The claim that EU gas imports from Russia will plummet from 45% in 2021 to 13% by 2025 is partially true. While it is accurate that there is a significant reduction in Russian gas imports, the projected figure of 13% by 2025 is not supported by credible evidence, as current estimates suggest a reduction to approximately 19% by 2024. The EU's roadmap aims for complete cessation of Russian energy imports by 2027, but the timeline and specific percentages remain uncertain.
Sources
- EU plans to end Russian gas imports by end of 2027 - BBC
- Where does the EU's gas come from? - Consilium
- How Eastern Europe Overhauled Its Natural Gas Market - Carnegie Endowment
- Roadmap to fully end EU dependency on Russian energy - European Commission
- EU Still Relies on Russia for a Fifth of Its Gas Imports: Official - Rigzone
