Discussions on whether to ban imports of Russian natural gas began on May 31 after leaders of European Union member states agreed on a partial ban on imports of Russian oil.

Estonia and Latvia advocate increasing sanctions against Russia and adding a "gas ban" to the new round of sanctions; Germany, Austria and other countries are firmly opposed, saying that this topic is "out of the scope of discussion".

　　On May 30 and 31, the European Union held a special summit in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, to discuss issues such as sanctions against Russia.

In a meeting on the 30th, the leaders of EU member states agreed to immediately ban the import of 75% of Russian oil, with a temporary exception for oil supplied by pipeline.

This cleared the way for the EU to push for the implementation of the sixth round of sanctions against Russia.

　　According to Reuters, after part of the "oil ban" against Russia was passed, whether to ban the import of Russian natural gas has become a new focus of contention among EU member states.

　　Disagreement within the EU

　　Before the meeting on May 31, Estonian Prime Minister Kaya Karas proposed that a "gas ban" should be included in the seventh round of sanctions against Russia, but she admitted that she did not hold much hope.

"I think natural gas must be included in the seventh round of sanctions, but realistically it may not be possible," she told reporters.

　　Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins supported the ban on imports of Russian natural gas.

The EU's agreement on a partial ban on Russian oil imports was "an important step in the right direction," according to Carlins.

　　Estonia and Latvia's claims were opposed by many EU countries.

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehamer told reporters that the EU will not discuss a ban on natural gas imports in the seventh round of sanctions against Russia.

"The gas embargo will not be a topic of discussion, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has made it clear," he said.

　　"Cut off gas" is different from "no oil"

　　Before the escalation of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, the EU imported about 40% of its natural gas and about 30% of its oil needs from Russia.

According to Nehamer, the "oil ban" and the "gas ban" are different.

"It's easier to find alternatives to Russian oil, but gas is completely different. So the gas embargo won't be a topic of discussion for a new round of sanctions," he said.

　　Belgian Prime Minister Alexandre de Croix hinted that the EU does not need to expand sanctions against Russia for the time being.

Referring to the partial "oil ban" reached by the EU, he said: "This is an important step. Let's pause for a while and see the impact of this round of sanctions."

　　In his view, banning the import of Russian natural gas will have less impact on Russia than the "oil ban", but it will bring more problems to the EU.

　　European Commission energy commissioner Kadri Simsson said last week that Europe is storing as much natural gas as possible and EU countries are rapidly increasing their capacity to process LNG.

However, Europe needs to do more to prepare for a situation where Russia completely cuts off gas supplies to EU member states.