Fact Check: "EU's oil imports from Russia drop from 27% in 2021 to 3% by 2028"
What We Know
In 2021, the European Union (EU) was heavily reliant on Russian oil imports, with Russia supplying approximately 27% of the EU's total oil imports. This reliance was part of a broader trend where energy imports from Russia constituted a significant portion of the EU's overall energy needs, particularly in the context of natural gas and coal as well (source).
However, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU implemented a series of sanctions and import restrictions aimed at reducing its dependency on Russian energy. These measures included a ban on seaborne imports of Russian crude oil, which took effect on December 5, 2022. As a result, the share of petroleum oil imports from Russia plummeted to just 2% by the first quarter of 2025 (source).
Looking ahead, projections indicate that the EU's oil imports from Russia could further decline to as low as 3% by 2028, as the EU continues to diversify its energy sources and reduce reliance on Russian oil (source).
Analysis
The claim that "EU's oil imports from Russia drop from 27% in 2021 to 3% by 2028" is supported by multiple credible sources. The initial percentage of 27% is corroborated by data from 2021, which highlights Russia's significant role as a supplier of oil to the EU (source). The drastic reduction to 2% in early 2025 is a direct consequence of the sanctions imposed due to geopolitical tensions, specifically the invasion of Ukraine, which has been widely reported and analyzed (source).
The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is high. The data comes from official EU statistics and reputable energy information agencies, which are known for their rigorous data collection and analysis methods. Additionally, the projections for 2028 are based on ongoing trends and policies being adopted by the EU, indicating a long-term strategy to reduce dependency on Russian energy (source).
While some may argue that future projections can be uncertain, the current trajectory and the EU's commitment to energy diversification lend credibility to the claim that oil imports from Russia will continue to decline significantly.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "EU's oil imports from Russia drop from 27% in 2021 to 3% by 2028" is accurate based on the data available. The EU's share of oil imports from Russia has already seen a dramatic decline due to sanctions and is projected to continue on this downward trend, reaching approximately 3% by 2028.
Sources
- Europe is a key destination for Russia's energy exports
- Energy represented majority of EU's Russian imports in 2021, Eurostat
- EU trade with Russia - latest developments - Statistics Explained
- EU trade with Russia - latest developments - Statistics Explained
- EU oil & petroleum imports from Russia 2024| Statista
