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The European Union is reportedly weighing the possibility of increasing its purchases of American natural gas, a move seen as a way to ease rising trade tensions with the United States under Donald Trump’s renewed pressure on allies.
In recent remarks, Trump warned that unless the EU begins buying more American oil and gas, he may impose tariffs on European goods. “They can fix this quickly—just buy our oil and gas,” he said. “If not, we’ll take care of it with tariffs.”
The threat has sparked urgent conversations in Brussels. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has hinted at a shift that could see more U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) flowing into Europe. “We replaced Russian gas before, and American LNG is not only more stable but also cheaper. It’s time to consider that route again,” von der Leyen noted during a recent press conference.
This isn’t the first time Trump has used trade as leverage to push energy exports. During his first term in office, similar threats led to a temporary boost in LNG shipments across the Atlantic. Now, with election season underway and Trump once again the Republican frontrunner, his hardline stance on trade is resurfacing.
For Europe, the decision is as much political as it is economic. The continent has worked for years to reduce its dependency on Russian gas, particularly following the invasion of Ukraine. While U.S. LNG presents a viable alternative, critics argue it could complicate the EU’s climate goals and increase reliance on fossil fuels.
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Energy analysts say that while importing more LNG from the U.S. could help cool trade tensions, it won’t be a quick fix. Europe would need to scale up infrastructure like import terminals and shipping logistics to manage a higher volume of American gas. These projects take years, not months.
There’s also concern that the shift could disrupt relationships with other global suppliers, including Qatar and Norway, while locking in long-term fossil fuel commitments. Environmental groups in Europe have already voiced opposition, saying the move could undermine clean energy policies.
Still, for European leaders, the pressure is real. A potential trade war with the U.S. could hit key industries, including automotive and agriculture, at a time when economies are still recovering from inflation and energy shocks.
Whether the EU bows to Trump’s demands or seeks a compromise remains to be seen, but what’s clear is that energy is once again at the heart of global diplomacy.
