This paper analyses Russian sanctions and the effect they have on the current gas crisis and the long-term energy supply transition in Europe.
Year: 2022
Author: Deivid Mustafa, LL.B. in International and European Law from The Hague University of Applied Sciences
ISSN: 2736-5816
DOI: 10.53121/ELFPP19
The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the current difficulties with the delivery of Russian gas to the EU as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The ongoing economic restrictions introduced by both blocs have complicated the gas supply process, creating a supply crunch in several European states. The paper provides an overview of the challenges behind gas supply and explores the options EU Member States have for navigating the sanctions and replacing Russian gas altogether. Most importantly, the paper argues that the EU should adopt a more cohesive approach to dealing with Russian sanctions and give European gas importers more flexibility to ensure a gradual and steady transition from Russian energy.
The paper starts with an overview of the legal basis for EU to deploy sanctions, followed by a description of the current EU sanctions framework in place against Russia. It continues with an analysis of the Russian sanctions and the effect they have on the gas supply contracts between European gas companies and Gazprom, a Russian state-owned company. The paper concludes with policy recommendations for navigating both the current gas crisis and the long-term energy supply transition as smoothly as possible.