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Imports of Russian gas, whether via pipelines or in liquefied form, to the European market are not subject to the same sanctions as those for oil. However, Member States are encouraged to reduce these imports and face political pressure if they deviate from the EU’s stance. The case of Hungary is emblematic in this regard, with Budapest constantly in the EU's sights.

Nevertheless, criticism is also levelled at other states, mainly in Central and Eastern Europe. European energy policy is thus characterised by the stated aim of reducing dependence on Russia, which is seen as a threat to the EU's capacity for autonomous action, and the desire to deal Russia a financial blow by depriving it of revenue from its hydrocarbon exports. Yet, at the same time, a number of Member States are increasing their imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia without eliciting the same negative reaction from Brussels as those importing Russian natural gas via pipelines. The increase in imports of Russian LNG in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war raises even more questions about the coherence of the EU's energy policy, given that it is taking place at a time when European demand for gas and LNG are both declining.