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The Europeans are studying new sanctions against Russia. Russian gas is, for the moment, still imported into Europe. But could this one do without it?
Monday, April 4, Olaf Scholz and Immanuel Macron call for new sanctions against Vladimir Putin, after the discovery of Boutcha (Ukraine). Germany opens the door to an embargo on Russian gas. “We need to step up our sanctions response”said Christine Lambrecht, German Federal Defense Minister. However, Germany remains one of the countries most dependent on Russian gas, which represents 66% of its imports.
Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania no longer import Russian gas. With nearly 40% of imports, these countries have built up reserves and diversified their supplies. “It is in our strategic interest to reduce our dependence, otherwise Russia will use against us as a geopolitical and economic tool”assured Gitanas Nauseda, President of Lithuania. The Europeans could attack Russian coal, which is easier to replace than gas. Ihe new sanctions should be decided on Wednesday 13 April.