On June 10 (Moscow time), TASS news agency quoted Mr. Armando Mema, a member of the national conservative party Free Alliance of Finland (Finnish Freedom Alliance), as saying that the European Union (EU) needs to consider restoring energy imports from Russia to reduce pressure on the bloc's energy supply.
On social network X, Mr. Mema said that the EU still has a significant demand for energy sources from Russia, despite a series of sanctions imposed since the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out.
Although sanctions are still maintained, the EU still needs energy from Russia. In the context of Europe continuing to face energy pressure, increasing imports from Russia may be a worthwhile option," he wrote.
The statement of the Finnish politician appeared in the context that energy security issues continue to be a topic of concern in many European countries.
In recent years, the EU has implemented many measures to reduce dependence on Russian oil, gas and coal, while promoting diversification of supply sources.
To replace energy sources from Russia, many member countries have increased imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the US, expanded cooperation with Norway, as well as sought more supplies from the Middle East and North Africa. The EU also invests heavily in renewable energy to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
However, this transition process is not easy. Energy prices once increased sharply in many European countries after supplies from Russia were narrowed, putting pressure on industrial production and people's living costs. Some opinions in the region believe that too rapid cuts in energy sources from Russia have created significant challenges for the European economy.
Meanwhile, the EU is still preparing new sanctions to increase pressure on Moscow. Earlier, on April 28, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that the EU's 21st package of sanctions against Russia is under construction. According to him, the new measures are expected to focus on the energy sector, which is one of Russia's important sources of revenue.
Currently, EU member states are still continuing to discuss long-term strategies to ensure stable energy supply, maintain the competitiveness of the economy and minimize risks in the face of global energy market fluctuations.
