The European Union may pivot from Russian energy supplies to American sources following President Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Friday. The shift could signal a realignment of energy and trade priorities for the EU.
“We still get a lot of energy from Russia, and why not replace it [with] American energy, which is cheaper for us and brings down our energy prices,” von der Leyen told reporters in Budapest. Her comments come as Europe continues to balance its energy needs with growing tensions involving Russia.
EU now wants to start buying energy from the US.
What changed, some election in the US?pic.twitter.com/ods8F31PfA
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) November 8, 2024
Since the Russia-Ukraine war began in 2022, Europe has gradually increased its reliance on American energy but remains connected to Moscow for a significant portion of its supply. Von der Leyen suggested Trump’s return to the White House provides a new opportunity for collaboration.
The European Commission president underscored the importance of engaging with Trump’s administration to explore areas of mutual interest. “Common interests are, for example… the whole topic of energy,” she said, hinting at potential trade negotiations.
2 days after Trump wins, EU Pres Ursula von der Leyen says they want to start buying oil from the US & not Russia (0:31): “We still get a lot of [liquified natural gas] from Russia, & why not replace it by American LNG, which is cheaper for us and brings down our energy prices.” pic.twitter.com/wZkIjdsRKD
— Carmandy Graff (@GraffCarmandy) November 10, 2024
Russia is now keeping the dollar. The EU is going to buy gas from the US not Russia, already. Trust the process. We didn't have to, we were energy independent, and he was fighting the Senate. The EU won't function without our support.
— The Constitutionalist 🇺🇸 (@WeWillBeFree24) November 9, 2024
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz echoed these sentiments, pointing to the possibility of aligning U.S.-EU policies on energy and trade. “From this point of view, I think the foundations are there for developing a common policy,” Scholz said.
Trump’s leadership could reshape the EU’s energy landscape, reducing its dependence on Russian imports and fostering a closer transatlantic alliance.
