The European Union spent over 21.9 billion euros on Russian energy resources in 2024, exceeding the financial aid provided to Ukraine, reports Euroactiv.
According to the publication, the EU spent approximately 21.9 billion euros on imports of Russian fuel last year, only 1% less than the previous year. By comparison, this amount is greater than the 18.7 billion euros in financial aid the EU provided to Ukraine in the same year.
Despite sanctions, Russian oil, gas, and LNG continue to flow into Europe through infrastructure and political agreements. The European Union aims to eliminate reliance on Russian energy resources by 2027, but some countries oppose this initiative.
According to the EU plan, new gas contracts with Russia are to be terminated by the end of 2027, and short-term agreements by mid-2026. As for oil, gas, and LNG, agreements are expected to be canceled by 2027.
The approaches of EU countries to energy policy vary significantly. There are those who support reliance on Russian resources due to low prices and those who actively seek alternatives in energy supply.