As Europe heads into another winter, energy security remains under close watch. In Deutsche Welle’s recent feature “Is Europe Ready for Winter?”, experts examined whether the continent’s gas reserves and diversified energy sources can withstand new geopolitical shocks, including U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on buyers of Russian gas.
“The Baltic countries have done a great job of reducing their dependence on Russian fossil fuels, while Poland has largely eliminated Russian gas,” said Petras Katinas, energy analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). He noted that progress was “uneven” in other Visegrad countries due to limited diversification and investment in renewable energy sources.
Petras Katinas also noted that Europe’s current gas storage levels and alternative supplies provide “a solid shield” against potential disruptions. “However, rapid withdrawals and weather fluctuations can still trigger temporary price spikes or localized shortages,” Katinas told DW, emphasizing that flexibility and regional cooperation will be key to stability through the cold months.
The article also explored how Europe’s diversification efforts, shifting toward LNG imports from Norway, the United States, and Qatar, alongside expanded renewable capacity, have reduced dependence on Russian gas. Yet, Trump’s tariff threats toward countries importing Russian energy, and the recent end of gas transit through Ukraine, continue to inject uncertainty into the market. Analysts highlighted that while supplies appear sufficient, political risks could still unsettle prices.
To read Petras Katinas’s full insights and the complete analysis, visit the original article in Deutsche Welle.
Further Reading
Energy exports are vital to Russia’s economy and have long provided geopolitical leverage over energy-dependent nations. Sanctions on the energy sector seek to limit state revenues and weaken Russia’s international influence. Discover the latest studies on sanctions against Russia and its energy sector in the Sanctions Portal Evidence Base section.
Examine the key sanction packages introduced by Western allies following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Review Russia’s countermeasures, including retaliatory steps and domestic strategies to ease the sanctions’ effects. Visit the Timeline of Western Sanctions and Russian Countermeasures to learn more.
For more expert analysis from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) and Petras Katinas, visit the CREA website.
