Despite the European Union’s decision to halt all Russian liquid natural gas imports by next year, the Netherlands continues to receive approximately 12% of its LNG from Russia. This places the Netherlands among five EU nations still importing Russian gas, alongside Belgium, France, Spain, and Portugal. Notably, Belgium sourced 40% of its gas from Russia in the first quarter of the current year.
Determining the precise amount of Russian LNG allocated for the Dutch market is challenging since many shipments arriving at Rotterdam harbor are destined for other European countries. Jilles van den Beukel from The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies expressed surprise at the volume, indicating it was “much larger than I had expected.” Although the Netherlands’ reliance on Russian gas has decreased from 34% in 2022, during the onset of the Ukraine conflict, it remains only slightly lower than the 13% recorded in 2025.
The increase in LNG imports from Russia in 2025 can be attributed to long-term contracts that are difficult to terminate, according to climate and green growth minister Sophie Hermans. The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) urges European countries to invest more in renewable energy to reduce gas consumption and mitigate exposure to price fluctuations and supply disruptions. The IEEFA suggests that Europe could cut its consumption by 14% by 2030, leading to a 23% reduction in demand.
As part of its strategy to wean off Russian gas, the EU has set bans on Russian natural gas imports by sea starting in 2027 and pipeline imports from next spring. Meanwhile, the Netherlands and other European nations have increased LNG imports from the USA, which now accounts for 77% of their supply. However, geopolitical tensions, such as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the Iran-USA conflict, have complicated these efforts, causing gas prices to rise.
Van den Beukel remarked that the EU’s resolve to ban Russian gas has been undermined by these challenges, suggesting that a postponement of the ban could be possible. “I wouldn’t raise my eyebrows if Brussels postponed the date for the ban again,” he stated. Balancing the need to avoid tightening the LNG market, which would drive prices higher, with the desire not to support Russia financially, poses a significant challenge for EU policymakers.