EU Considers Shifting Energy Imports To US Following Trump Victory
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Friday that the European Union is exploring replacing Russian energy imports with American supplies after President Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory. Her comments suggest a significant shift in transatlantic trade priorities under the Trump administration.
“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 said during a press event in Budapest.
Since the Russia-Ukraine war began in 2022, the EU has increased its reliance on American energy but remains tied to Moscow for a substantial portion of its supply. Von der Leyen emphasized that Trump’s leadership could provide a new opportunity for Europe to enhance energy security while reducing costs.
The European Commission president also highlighted the need to engage with Trump’s administration on shared interests, particularly in energy policy. “Common interests are, for example … the whole topic of energy,” she told reporters.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz echoed von der Leyen’s sentiments, emphasizing the potential for collaboration with Trump’s administration. “From this point of view, I think the foundations are there for developing a common policy,” Scholz stated at a press conference in Budapest.
Trump’s return to the White House is expected to deepen U.S.-EU cooperation, potentially reshaping Europe’s energy policies and reducing its dependence on Russian imports.
