Russian gas cut to Europe: the EU activates alternative routes to mitigate the crisis.

The interruption of natural gas flow from Russia to the European Union through Ukraine has marked the beginning of 2025 with a significant impact on the European energy landscape. Gazprom, the Russian state-owned company, officially announced the suspension of supply, arguing that this decision is due to Ukraine's refusal to extend transit agreements. This situation creates uncertainty in several countries, especially those in the eastern part of the continent, which rely heavily on this route for their energy supply.

Gazprom's announcement, although expected, has raised alarms in the European Commission, which quickly sought to reassure the most affected countries. The EU has stated that it is "prepared" to address the crisis through four alternative routes. This proactive approach is based on preparatory work carried out over the past year, aiming to mitigate the consequences of the cut in Russian supply. However, the dependence of some countries on this energy source remains a cause for concern, as up to 60% of their gas comes from this channel.

The countries most vulnerable to this interruption are Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia, all of which have direct connections to Ukraine's gas network. Italy and Austria also find themselves in a delicate situation, with a high dependence on Russian gas. In light of this scenario, the Slovenian government has taken the lead, assuring that it was prepared for the cut and that there would be no risk of supply shortages, thanks to its diversified pipeline infrastructure with neighboring countries.

The current situation is not new for the EU, which already experienced supply crises in 2021 and 2022, when Russian President Vladimir Putin used gas as a tool of political pressure. These crises caused spikes in energy prices and inflation that affected the economies of member states. The experience gained from these episodes has led the EU to adopt a more resilient and diversified approach in its energy strategy.

The four alternative routes that the European Commission has outlined to replace Russian gas are key in this context. The first route involves using gas from Germany, which can receive gas by ship from other countries. This solution is presented as a lifeline for the eastern countries that will be most affected by the lack of direct supply from Russia.

The second route to consider is access to gas from Norway and liquefied natural gas (LNG) arriving from the United States. This option could provide a more stable and reliable energy source compared to the political fluctuations that have characterized Russian supply. The ability to diversify gas sources is crucial to ensuring energy security in the future.

The third alternative route involves transporting gas from Italy to Austria, which could in turn supply Slovakia and Slovenia. This interconnection is an example of how European infrastructure can be used to create a more robust network less dependent on a single supplier. This type of collaboration between countries is essential to face common energy challenges.

Finally, the fourth route is proposed through the well-known Trans-Balkan route, which includes connections from Greece, Turkey, and Romania. This option is particularly interesting due to the growing importance of the Balkans as a critical point in the European gas supply network. The diversification of sources and routes is a fundamental strategy to ensure that the EU can maintain its supply levels and avoid future crises.

In summary, Gazprom's decision to cut gas supply to the EU through Ukraine represents a significant challenge for energy security in Europe. However, the quick and organized response of the European Commission, which has designed multiple alternative routes, reflects a greater preparedness for energy crises. With the experience gained from past conflicts and a clear action plan, the EU faces the challenges of an uncertain energy future with a combination of determination and adaptability. The ability of European countries to work together and diversify their energy sources will be crucial in this process and in building a more sustainable and secure energy system.