European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen suggesting replacing Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) with U.S. exports in a phone conversation with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Nov. 8.
Von der Leyen spoke with Trump three days after his victory in the Nov. 5 presidential election.
Replacing Europe’s supplies of Russian LNG was “one of the topics” the two leaders discussed, von der Leyen told reporters in Budapest.
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The European Union imposed its first major restrictions on Russian gas, including LNG, in its 14th sanctions package in June. Russia still remains Europe’s second-largest importer of LNG, after the U.S.
Good move. But a better move would be to reduce reliance on LNG all together.
I find super funny that they tried to impose sanctions to something we are 100% depending on. And instead of, you know, fixing the problem of dependency, they’ll switch to a different dealer.
We didn’t really stop importing Russian gas, there’s still long-term contracts if e.g. Austria refused to accept Russian gas they’d still have to pay for it. Situation is different with Germany as there Russia broke the contract, stopped deliveries even though Germany was paying, so the country got out of the long-term contract for free.
When it comes to self-sanctioning have a look at Russia sanctioning European food exports. Not that the Faroese would ever complain, of course, they’re selling tons of fish to Russia right now who can blame them their yearly GDP is like three patriot batteries.
So, Trump just keeps on winning? How about getting rid of the gas dependency altogether? I feel like people are just making one poor choice after the other these days.
It’s simply a strategic move to cater to Trump’s ego.
It’s actually genius. Make Trump look good, tie US closer to Europe while unshackling from Russia.
Appealing to Trump’s ego is the only way allies will survive. And if Trump ever leaves office, it’s still good news if Dems get back in.
The actual logistical process of getting away from LNG is probably more monumental than is feasible in the near-term.
Appealing to Trump’s ego is the only way allies will survive.
Very bold of you to assume that the only way “allies will survive” is by the grace of the US. Shit Americans say.
How about getting rid of the gas dependency altogether?
Already in the works, though for the time being (until fusion) Europe will be dependent on imports for energy and chemical feedstock but in the future that’s going to be ammonia (aka transportable hydrogen) from e.g. Canada and Namibia, produced by gigantic amounts of new solar and wind installations.
Also even though fusion is slated to finally arrive in the 2030s (Max Planck is now getting into commercialisation so yes it’s serious) it’s probably going to be a while before it’s price-competetive with renewables from places really suited for renewables, especially when we’re not talking raw electricity but stuff that can be transported more easily. So those investments abroad won’t be instant write-offs.
Russia remains second largest exporter I think they mean.
