Belgium relied exclusively on Russian supplies for its liquefied natural gas imports in July, according to data cited by Belgian broadcaster RTBF.
The figures, originally reported by Bloomberg, reveal that despite the European Union's broader strategy to reduce dependence on Moscow's energy sector, spot market dynamics kept Russian LNG as the sole source for the country during the month.
This development underscores the operational challenges facing EU member states as they navigate the transition away from Russian energy.
While the bloc has implemented a ban on signing new long-term LNG contracts with Russia—a measure that took effect at the end of April—spot purchases remain permissible under current regulations.
The EU is also moving to finalize a complete decoupling, with a ban on spot LNG imports scheduled to take effect later in 2026.
The reliance on Russian spot LNG in Belgium contrasts with the strategic investments seen elsewhere in Europe.