Belgium has witnessed a surprising increase in Russian gas imports, even as global leaders push for energy independence from Moscow. According to the annual Belgian Energy Data Overview, released before the summer by the Federal Economy Service, liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Russia reached record levels in 2024.
While Belgium curtailed its crude oil imports from Russia after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, reliance on Russian gas has grown. Of the gas consumed by households and businesses last year, 8.7% was delivered by ship from Russia, slightly surpassing levels seen before the invasion.
Pipeline deliveries from Russia have largely ceased due to the conflict and EU sanctions. However, LNG shipments from the Russian Arctic have stepped in, keeping Belgian dependence on Russian energy substantial.
The terminal operated by Fluxys in Zeebrugge has emerged as a crucial hub, receiving LNG not only from Russia but also from Qatar and the United States.
In 2024, Fluxys handled 13.3 Terawatt hours (TWh) of Russian LNG, marking a 12% increase compared to 2023. Belgium has thus strengthened its role as a transit country, supplying gas to Germany and the Netherlands. Including these transit volumes, 18.3% of all gas entering Belgium came from Russian shipments.
This makes Russia the second-largest gas supplier to Belgium, trailing only Norway, which has maintained steady energy deliveries. The situation highlights the challenges the EU faces in reducing reliance on Russian energy, despite strong political and economic pressures.
President Donald Trump recently suggested imposing further sanctions on Russia should NATO countries halt energy imports, framing it as a potential measure to end the conflict in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Belgium continues to import record levels of Russian LNG, underscoring the complexity of Europe’s energy landscape.
Since March, the EU has banned transshipping Russian LNG to vessels destined outside the Union, which could affect Zeebrugge’s status as a major transit port to the Far East. The European Commission’s RePowerEU plan aims to fully phase out Russian gas by 2027, a policy Belgium officially supports.
Federal Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet has reiterated Belgium’s commitment to RePowerEU at recent EU Council meetings and in the national parliament. However, the 2024 data reveal that, in practice, Belgium remains heavily linked to Russian gas, highlighting the ongoing struggle to balance energy security and geopolitical goals.
The situation serves as a reminder that Europe’s energy transition is complex, with LNG terminals like Zeebrugge playing pivotal roles in balancing domestic consumption and transit needs. Belgium’s experience underscores the difficult path toward a Russia-free energy future.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
