Is the End of the Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhgorod Pipeline Era Near? Commercial and Political Stakes at Play

Leading international analytical firms have been actively sharing their research and forecasts regarding the EU's gas demand at various forums, taking into account the bloc’s strategy for a gradual transition away from fossil fuels. This approach contrasts with statements from the newly elected U.S. president, who has linked the expansion of American liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to trade tariffs on the EU.

On January 27, European Union foreign ministers agreed to extend sanctions against Russia for another six months and provided Hungary with guarantees for its energy security, without which Budapest had threatened to veto the extension of penalties against Russia.

On December 19, the European Parliament adopted a resolution addressing the repressions against civil society and independent media in Azerbaijan. The resolution stated that since 2023, the Azerbaijani government has systematically pressured civil society, political opposition, human rights defenders, the LGBTI+ community, and independent media, with these pressures intensifying ahead of the COP29 summit.

As the potential halt to Russian gas transit through Ukraine approaches—scheduled for 5 a.m. Ukrainian time on January 1, 2025—effectively signaling the cessation of pipeline gas supplies from Russia to major EU economies in Central and Western Europe, EU nations and the newly updated European Commission (EC) leadership have intensified consultations on ensuring Europe's energy security.