European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Friday that the European Union is considering replacing Russian energy imports with American alternatives in light of President Donald Trump’s 2024 election win. The potential shift reflects a broader effort to enhance Europe’s energy security and economic ties with the United States.
“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 conference in Budapest.
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
The EU has already begun increasing its reliance on American energy since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began, but breaking its connection to Moscow remains a challenge. Von der Leyen expressed optimism that Trump’s return to office could create new opportunities for cooperation.
Engagement with Trump’s administration will be key to aligning trade and energy policies, von der Leyen suggested. “Common interests are, for example… the whole topic of energy,” she noted, pointing to the need for productive 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 highlighted the potential for collaboration with Trump’s team, saying, “From this point of view, I think the foundations are there for developing a common policy.”
Trump’s presidency is expected to encourage stronger transatlantic energy ties, reducing Europe’s reliance on Russian imports and supporting shared economic goals.
