The economist did not rule out the EU's return to importing Russian gas

Despite the current sanctions and political differences, the resumption of gas supplies from Russia to the European Union (EU) is possible. This opinion was shared by Georgy Ostapkovich, Director of the Center for Economic Studies at the Higher School of Economics, in an interview with Izvestia on April 15.

Earlier, on April 14, Reuters reported that EU countries, in particular France and Germany, may consider partially resuming gas imports from Russia amid deteriorating relations with the United States.

"Of course, until the sanctions are lifted and there are no specific decisions on peaceful regulation, the European Union will not make such a decision. Especially Germany. And the main gas pipeline runs through Germany," the economist noted.

However, according to him, such a possibility cannot be completely ruled out. The expert also pointed out the economic reasons for a possible return to Russian gas.

"The fact that Russian gas is generally cheaper than American gas is obvious. Therefore, the trend of an escalating trade war between America and Europe, of course, motivates the European Union to review trade relations. And not only for gas, but also for other products," the expert said.

In addition, the economist also predicts that the EU and China will come closer in the near future if US President Donald Trump continues his tough strategy on tariffs, which will lead to the formation of a strong economic alliance between China and the European Union.

Fuel bug: The EU may reconsider its position of rejecting gas from the Russian Federation

The European Commission has already postponed the publication of the roadmap for the final cessation of supplies from Russia.

The Reuters news agency reported that European producers allowed a return to gas from Russia due to the policy of US President Donald Trump. Didier Ollo, executive vice president of the French energy and gas company Engie, said that in the event of a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, the Europeans could return to the supply volumes of 60 billion cubic meters. m per year or 70 billion cubic meters, including LNG.

Earlier, on March 17, Igor Yushkov, an expert and lecturer at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, in an interview with Izvestia, predicted an increase in gas prices in Europe in the event of abandonment of Russian LNG. According to him, in order to replace Russian gas, Europe will have to reorient supplies from Qatar, which is currently sending its fuel to Asia.