Under the Pressure of Trump's Tariffs, the EU Considers Purchasing More US Natural Gas

EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen stated that the EU will purchase more natural gas from the US to appease President Trump, while also cutting red tape to drive an increase in renewable energy capacity this year.

The European Commission expects that the EU's renewable energy installed capacity will reach a new high this year. Following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022, the EU set a goal to break free from dependence on Russian fossil fuels by 2027 and accelerate the transition to renewable energy.

However, Jorgensen revealed that while advancing the green transition, the EU may commit to increasing liquefied natural gas (LNG) purchases from the US as a response to Trump's tariffs.

Traditional views hold that natural gas, as a fossil fuel, produces significantly less pollution and greenhouse gases during combustion compared to oil and coal, thus being widely regarded as a transitional fuel towards clean energy.

Last week, Trump introduced so-called reciprocal tariffs, which targeted almost all trading partners, including the EU, a traditional ally. However, after the reciprocal tariffs caused a massive shock in global financial markets, Trump announced on Wednesday a 90-day exemption for most countries.

On Monday, Trump proposed that the EU should purchase approximately $350 billion worth of US energy to reduce the trade deficit, while rejecting the EU's proposal for "zero tariffs on industrial products and auto parts."

The US is already the EU's largest LNG supplier, accounting for 45% of its total imports in 2024, valued at approximately $13 billion.

Jorgensen said, "We do have the potential to purchase more LNG from the US, but it must be on the condition that it aligns with our green transition goals." He added that he had conveyed this position to US Energy Secretary Chris Wright.

But he also noted that the EU authorities can only encourage companies to sign procurement agreements.

Jorgensen emphasized that renewable energy is key to lowering energy prices and breaking free from dependence on Russian fossil fuels.

"We all know very well that the high energy prices currently paid by the EU are unsustainable in the global competitive landscape. Since 2022, our expenditure on purchasing fossil fuels from Russia has even exceeded the amount of aid provided to Ukraine," he said.