How Poland plans to leverage its EU presidency to strengthen energy sanctions against Russia

Since the onset of Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine, the European Union has taken significant steps to reduce its reliance on Russian energy resources.

The share of Russian gas in the EU's overall imports dropped from 40% in 2021 to less than 10% in 2024, and imports of Russian coal have completely ceased.

But challenges persist: Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) continues to flow into EU countries, and loopholes in oil trade still allow the Kremlin to reap billions of euros.

EU pressure may soon intensify. Read more the column by Maksym Gardus, a communications specialist of Razom We Stand, and Oleh Savitsky, campaign director of Stand With Ukraine – How Poland's EU presidency will strengthen pressure on Russian energy imports.

The authors note that Poland, preparing for its presidency of the EU Council in January 2025, has identified energy security as a key priority.

Poland has consistently pursued energy independence from Russia, not just for itself but for the EU as a whole, despite challenges such as tough elections and a change in government and coalition.

In September 2024, Poland unveiled a draft National Energy and Climate Plan aimed at achieving a 56% share of renewable energy sources in electricity generation by 2030.

Experts acknowledge the EU’s significant progress in reducing dependency on Russian energy resources, but full energy independence has yet to be achieved.

"Further efforts, particularly during Poland's presidency of the EU Council, will be crucial to reaching this goal," Gardus and Savitsky emphasise.

Last summer, Warsaw signaled its intention to use its six-month leadership term to halt the flow of Russian fuel, which remains a critical source of income for the Kremlin.

Presenting the priorities of Poland’s Foreign Ministry for the EU presidency, Radosław Sikorski stated that one of the main objectives would be to tighten EU sanctions against aggressor states, Russia and Belarus, and combat sanctions evasion.

Among other measures, Poland plans to enforce stricter monitoring of compliance with existing sanctions and close loopholes that allow for their circumvention.

In October, Poland introduced a proposal during a closed meeting to enhance transparency regarding the volume of Russian fossil fuels entering the EU market, including supplies under false pretenses.

This initiative already enjoys considerable support, according to Gardus and Savitsky.

"This proposal is expected to become a key focus during Poland’s EU presidency, beginning in January. Future sanctions packages will likely target loopholes in current restrictions, including the oil price cap, whose effectiveness has proven inadequate," the experts suggest.

However, this path will not be easy. The authors explain that one of the main obstacles is the political differences among EU member states regarding sanctions policy against Russia.

Hungary and Slovakia, for instance, have traditionally opposed tougher sanctions due to their heavy dependence on Russian energy and interests tied to its resale.

"The key argument of sanctions opponents is the potential increase in energy prices and the risk of energy shortages," Gardus and Savitsky remind us.

The Polish government, in turn, emphasises that the costs of transitioning to new energy sources are outweighed by the long-term risks associated with dependence on Russia.

As the authors highlight, strengthening the development of Europe’s own clean energy generation will be crucial, not least to eliminate demand for Russian energy resources altogether.