The recent geopolitical tensions surrounding Greenland have served as a stark reminder for the European Union to strengthen its energy security strategy, according to the EU’s energy commissioner. Dan Jorgensen described the situation as a “wake-up call” for Europe as it grapples with its reliance on external energy supplies, particularly from the United States, highlighting the strategic importance of diversifying energy sources.
Reducing dependence on a single supplier
Europe has already made substantive shifts in its energy imports in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, drastically reducing its reliance on Russian gas. In 2025, the EU imported about 13% of its gas from Russia, down from roughly 40% before the conflict. However, this pivot has increased Europe’s reliance on liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States, which now accounts for 57% of the EU’s LNG supply and 27% of its total gas imports.
“Having said that, it is also clear the geopolitical turmoil in the wake of the crisis concerning Greenland also has been a wake-up call,” Jorgensen told reporters in Brussels.”I definitely hear this when speaking to energy ministers and heads of state all over Europe, that there is a growing concern, which I share, that we risk replacing one dependency with another.”
“I definitely hear this when speaking to energy ministers and heads of state all over Europe, that there is a growing concern, which I share, that we risk replacing one dependency with another.”
Plans for diversification
To address this challenge, the EU is planning to expand its energy partnerships beyond the United States, exploring agreements with other global suppliers. Jorgensen outlined upcoming visits to countries such as Canada, Qatar, and partners in North Africa to investigate additional LNG supply options. But the long-term plan is reducing the share of gas in its overall energy supply, and replace it with locally producted renewable sources.
“And for the part of that that is not homegrown renewable, we need to diversify it as much as possible,” Jorgensen said.
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