Despite European Union commitments to halt all imports of Russian liquid natural gas (LNG) by next year, the Netherlands continues to source about 12% of its LNG from Russia. This places the Netherlands among five EU countries that persist in importing Russian LNG, alongside Belgium, France, Spain, and Portugal. Notably, Belgium received 40% of its gas from Russia in the first quarter of this year.
The exact quantity designated for the Dutch market remains unclear, as a significant portion of the LNG arriving at Rotterdam is destined for other European nations. Jilles van den Beukel from The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies expressed surprise at the volume, stating it was “much larger than I had expected.” While the current 12% is a slight decrease from 13% in 2025, it is significantly lower than the 34% recorded in 2022, the year Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine commenced. The increase in 2025, according to climate and green growth minister Sophie Hermans, can be attributed to long-term contracts that are challenging to dissolve.
The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) has urged European countries to boost their investment in renewable energy to reduce reliance on gas, which would mitigate the impact of price spikes and supply disruptions. The IEEFA suggests that Europe could achieve a 14% reduction in gas consumption by 2030, which would translate to a 23% drop in demand.
The EU has set a ban on Russian natural gas imports via sea containers starting in 2027, with pipeline imports to cease next spring. In response, the Netherlands and other European nations have increased their LNG imports from the USA, which now accounts for 77% of their supply. Van den Beukel noted that the conflict between Iran and the USA, which led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a vital passage for 20% of global LNG supplies—has complicated the EU’s efforts to eliminate Russian gas imports and contributed to rising prices.
Van den Beukel speculated that the EU might reconsider the timeline for its ban on Russian gas. He commented, “I wouldn’t raise my eyebrows if Brussels postponed the date for the ban again.” He acknowledged the dilemma of tightening the LNG market, which could drive up prices, against the need to avoid financially supporting Russia’s military endeavors.