Russia's invasion of Ukraine and EU's policy to reduce energy dependence on Russia: prospect and implications

The European Union (EU) announced its plans to suspend imports of Russian energy sources in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This study examines the debates on the EU's energy dependence on Russia from the European perspective. It also reviews RePowerEU, the EU's roadmap to reduce and stop imports of natural gas from Russia, and changes that the plan will bring about. Most EU member countries have a very high energy dependence rate, and Russia accounts for a high share in fossil fuel imports of the EU. The EU-Russia trade is characteristic of a consumer-supplier relationship. Despite the EU's economic sanctions against Russia after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, the energy imports from Russia have not notably declined. On the other hand, the proportion of fossil fuels used decreased, and the proportion of renewable energy increased according to the EU's measures to respond to climate change. If the EU wants to reduce or stop imports of natural gas from Russia under the RePowerEU, it will have to diversify its energy sources in the short term. It is expected to significantly increase the use of renewable energy such as wind and solar power and green hydrogen in the medium term. European Green Deal will likely find another political push in this process because climate change issues are now linked to energy security. On the other hand, developing countries are likely to face a more significant burden due to rising energy prices and stricter environmental regulations. Strategies to reduce energy dependence on Russia can catalyze European integration, contributing to solidifying the EU's foreign and security and energy policies. On the other hand, there is a possibility that different energy situations and security perceptions create a divergence between countries.