EU Shifts Away from Russian Gas, Relying on US and Canadian Supplies

The European Union is making strides in breaking its energy links to Russia by leveraging the surge in liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports from North America, according to a recent report by the International Energy Agency.

Industrial Info Resources is tracking over 100 projects across North America tied to LNG exports, with expansions at Sabine Pass, Calcasieu Pass, and Plaquemines taking the lead. These facilities along the U.S. Gulf Coast combine for about 50% of the feed gas that supports exports of liquefied natural gas.

The report found that projects like these have helped the European economy migrate natural gas trade away from Russia, a priority that gained importance after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The European Union has until next year to phase out Russian natural gas imports under legislation adopted in 2025.

While backing away from Russian supplies, the IEA found there was an 'unprecedented period of expansion' underway in new liquefaction capacity across North America. Gulf Coast installations in the U.S., meanwhile, continue to do much of the heavy lifting, despite emerging concerns about sovereignty and trade among Western allies.