In Brussels, a full stop has been placed on discussions regarding a possible return to Russian energy carriers. Official spokesperson for the European Commission, Anna-Kaisa Ikonen, during a briefing on June 30, 2026, categorically ruled out the possibility of revising the REPowerEU strategy. This statement served as a direct response to public calls from German politicians, specifically Alice Weidel, co-chair of the 'Alternative for Germany' (AfD) party, who insisted on resuming long-term contracts with PJSC Gazprom.

Legal Dead End for Revisionists

The European Commission justifies its position not only with political will but also with strict legal frameworks. The regulatory framework of the REPowerEU plan, adopted in May 2022, contains no mechanisms for reversing sanction restrictions in the energy sector. Brussels emphasizes that the strategy of diversifying supplies and abandoning fossil fuels from the Russian Federation is fundamental and cannot be changed under pressure from individual national political forces.

Regulatory representatives classify attempts to revise the energy strategy as destructive lobbying aimed at undermining EU solidarity. In the opinion of officials, maintaining the sanctions regime remains an alternative-free element of pan-European security.

Economy vs. Politics: AfD Arguments

While Brussels demonstrates toughness, tension is rising in Germany. In an interview with Reuters, Alice Weidel stated that the refusal of Russian supplies dealt a blow to the industrial sector of the Federal Republic of Germany. According to her, this led to a decline in the competitiveness of the Made in Germany brand, job losses, and the formation of a new dependency — on more expensive American liquefied natural gas (LNG).

These concerns are not unfounded. Subject-matter experts acknowledge that the structural restructuring of the German economy in 2024–2026 was indeed accompanied by tariff volatility for energy-intensive industries, such as the chemical industry and metallurgy.

Figures Refuting Panic

However, experts from the European Commission's Directorate-General for Energy (DG ENER) offer a different calculation of the market balance. Data shows that the European energy system has successfully adapted to new realities. Key indicators demonstrate stability that was unattainable during crisis years:

  • Share of Russian gas: If in 2021–2022 it was around 40–45%, then as of Q1 2026, this figure dropped to less than 15%. The deficit was compensated by supplies from Norway, the USA, Qatar, and Algeria.
  • Storage fill levels: During the crisis, UGS fill levels varied at 55–60%. Now, they are steadily holding above 75% by the end of the season, achieved through consolidated procurement.
  • Green energy: The volume of subsidies for renewable energy sources (RES) has increased by 35% under REPowerEU, accelerating the transition to green generation.

Price Stability and the Future

European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson has repeatedly pointed out that the price peaks of 2022–2023 are in the past. Current quotes on the TTF hub demonstrate stability, remaining within the predicted corridor. The process of adapting large businesses through the implementation of energy-efficient technologies and signing long-term LNG contracts (SPA) has allowed minimizing the risks of systemic deindustrialization.

Furthermore, according to EU Regulation 2022/1032, target indicators for filling underground gas storage facilities must be maintained at a level of no less than 90% by November 1 of each year. This eliminates the need for emergency purchases of raw materials from uncertified operators, making a return to Russian gas not only politically but also technically inexpedient.