In 2023, the European Union (EU-27) relied on the import of energy, including in the form of solid fossil fuels, natural gas, and oil & petroleum products, for around ** percent of its needs. Malta, Cyprus, and Luxembourg had the highest dependency of all observed countries, with over ** percent for each. Germany reported a **** percent dependency on imports, ranking 13th.

Dependence on energy imports in the European Union was **** percent in 2023. Two Central and Eastern European countries exceeded this value — Hungary and Lithuania. The energy import dependency rate of Lithuania was ** percent. The lowest rate was recorded in Estonia — *** percent.

The average for 2015 based on 20 countries was 52.56 percent. The highest value was in Luxembourg: 96.31 percent and the lowest value was in Estonia: -2.71 percent. The indicator is available from 1960 to 2015. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

The average for 2015 based on 25 countries was 25.65 percent. The highest value was in Luxembourg: 96.31 percent and the lowest value was in Norway: -581.35 percent. The indicator is available from 1960 to 2015. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

This scatter chart displays net energy imports (% of energy use) against fertility rate (births per woman) in Europe. The data is about countries.

This scatter chart displays net energy imports (% of energy use) against death rate (per 1,000 people) in Europe. The data is about countries.

This statistic shows the crude oil imports in the European Union (EU) in 2017, by country of origin, in percentage. It shows that the largest share of crude oil was imported from Russia at **** percent of the total. Saudi Arabia made up *** percent of the total crude oil imports.

Russia accounted for 18.19 percent of the value of natural gas imports into the European Union (EU) from non-EU countries in the first quarter of 2025. The share was higher than in the corresponding period of the previous year, but significantly lower than in 2021. The decrease was due to the Western sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine and the reduction of gas supplies by Gazprom to Europe. Which EU countries import gas from Russia? In 2023, the EU imported 27 billion cubic meters of natural gas via pipelines from Russia, compared to 140 billion cubic meters in 2021. Among the EU countries, Germany was by far the largest importer of natural gas from Russia. Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries such as Poland, Czechia, and Hungary also ranked in the top 10 before the war in Ukraine given their high dependence on Russian gas. After the onset of the war in 2022, Turkey and China emerged as some of the largest buyers of Russian pipeline gas. The future of natural gas in a climate-neutral Europe Gas continues to be the second-most important primary energy source in the EU, after petroleum-based products. However, to stay within the Paris Agreement’s target of 1.5 degrees Celsius, the EU is actively looking for ways to accelerate the transition to more renewable sources of energy, including the adoption of the European Green Deal and the Commission’s "Fit for 55" proposal and RePowerEU plan. Under these sustainable scenarios, the European gas demand is estimated to fall from 617 billion cubic meters in 2018 to 380 billion cubic meters in 2040.

Among European Union countries, Slovakia is the most dependent on Russian oil and petroleum products. In 2020, Russia was the origin country for 78 percent of the country's total imports of such commodities. In Germany, Russian oil products held a 30 percent market share. This has become cause for concern for the EU as it tries to distance itself from Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. An already unfolding energy crisis was worsened as a result.

Europe is Russia’s largest oil export market

When EU leaders began debating how to sanction Russia, it illuminated an unfortunate predicament. Namely, the fact that many European countries had grown strongly dependent on energy supplies from their oil and gas-rich neighbor. Apart from Norway, Russia is the only country located on the European continent with sizable reserves of these fossil fuels. Buoyed by their relative close proximity, EU member states such as the Netherlands (a refinery hub), Germany, and Poland have thus been among Russia’s main crude oil export destinations for years.

Rising energy costs and insecurity

When the EU decided to cut out Russian oil and gas imports as much as possible, it put further upward pressure on an already hot commodity market. The Russia-Ukraine war had led to many market traders anticipating some of the worst oil constraints seen since the oil crisis of 2014, and benchmark prices rose significantly. As energy prices are largely determined by the price of fossil fuels, a respectable share of Europeans has been struggling to pay their energy bills.

This scatter chart displays net energy imports (% of energy use) against suicide mortality rate (per 100,000 population) in Europe. The data is about countries per year.

The European Union's total Exports in 2024 were valued at US$2.80 Trillion, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. The European Union's main export partners were: the United States, the United Kingdom and China. The top three export commodities were: Machinery, nuclear reactors, boilers; Pharmaceutical products and Vehicles other than railway, tramway. Total Imports were valued at US$2.64 Trillion. In 2024, The European Union had a trade surplus of US$159.68 Billion.

For North Macedonia, Moldova, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Russia was the only source of natural gas supply in 2019. Another European country highly dependent on Russian gas was Latvia, where it occupied over ** percent of the total in 2021. In Estonia, the portion of natural gas from Russia was significantly lower, measured at ** percent. Russia accounted for over ** percent of all extra-EU gas imports in 2021. How much natural gas does Russia export? Russia is the leading exporter of natural gas worldwide, far outpacing the exports of that commodity by the United States, Qatar, and Norway. In 2021, the country exported ***** billion cubic meters of gas via pipelines and **** billion cubic meters of liquified natural gas (LNG). The exports increased continuously between 2014 and 2019, while the year 2020 saw a ****-percent decline in the volume as a result of a lower fuel demand during imposed lockdowns and slower economic activity due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Russian gas exports during the war in Ukraine Exports of Russian gas to Europe were severely affected by the invasion of Ukraine which began in February 2022. In response to the war, European countries sought to reduce their reliance on Russian gas. Between January 1 and July 15, 2022, the Russian company Gazprom exported over ** percent less gas to the far abroad compared to the same period of the previous year. Furthermore, Germany announced the suspension of the certification process for Nord Stream 2, while Russia shut down all gas supplies via Nord Stream 1 in September 2022, before leaks were detected on both pipelines. Gas exports from Russia to India and China also did not increase in monetary terms in July and August 2022 in comparison to February and March 2022.

In 2022, Russia occupied a 26 percent share in natural gas import volume (in net mass) into the European Union from non-EU countries. The share of Russia in the extra-EU import volume of all energy products was lower than in 2021.

The German TES Wilhelmshaven LNG terminal is the largest proposed LNG import terminal in Europe, based on expected annual capacity. While the project was initially shelved in 2020, calls for a reduction in Germany's dependence on Russian gas imports has renewed interest in the project. With a proposed construction date of 2025, the terminal will have a capacity of 11.03 billion cubic meters per year once completed. Europe’s energy dependence Since 2008, dependence on energy imports in the EU stood above 52 percent. Before the outbreak of the war, Russian gas dependence in Europe was highest in countries in Eastern Europe. Europe’s energy import reliance has become particularly concerning following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Russia-Ukraine war expedited the need to seek new gas suppliers and other energy sources. LNG imports in Europe Liquefied natural gas offers the opportunity to purchase natural gas even from suppliers not connected to pipeline networks. The United States is the leading supplying country of LNG to the European Union, followed by Qatar and Russia. The North American country increased its LNG export volume to Europe significantly in the last two years.

Biofuel Sales Market Outlook

The global biofuel sales market size was valued at approximately USD 123.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 226.9 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% during the forecast period. This robust growth is driven by increasing environmental awareness, governmental policies favoring renewable energy, and technological advancements in biofuel production.

The primary growth factor for the biofuel sales market is the rising demand for sustainable and renewable energy sources. As fossil fuels become scarcer and their environmental impact more pronounced, biofuels present a viable alternative. They offer a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and can be produced from various feedstocks, including waste materials, which further enhances their environmental credentials. Additionally, the volatility of oil prices has led many countries to invest in biofuels to reduce their dependence on imported oil. Innovations in biofuel technology, including advancements in algae-based fuels and second-generation biofuels, are also propelling the market forward.

Government incentives and policies are another significant driver of the biofuel sales market. Many countries have implemented mandates requiring a certain percentage of biofuel to be blended with traditional fuels. For instance, the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in the United States and the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) in the European Union have been instrumental in driving biofuel adoption. Subsidies and tax incentives for biofuel production and use further stimulate market growth. These policies not only aim to reduce carbon emissions but also seek to promote energy security by decreasing reliance on imported fossil fuels.

Technological advancements in biofuel production are unlocking new opportunities and improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of biofuels. Developments in genetic engineering and biotechnology have led to the creation of more efficient biofuel-producing organisms and processes. For example, advances in algae biofuel technology have the potential to produce higher yields with lower environmental impact. Furthermore, the integration of digital technologies such as AI and IoT in biofuel production processes is optimizing resource use and enhancing productivity. These technological strides are making biofuels a more attractive proposition for both investors and end-users.

The increasing demand for clean and sustainable energy solutions has led to a surge in Bio fuel Generator Sales. These generators are becoming a popular choice for both residential and commercial applications due to their ability to provide reliable power while minimizing environmental impact. As more industries seek to reduce their carbon footprint, biofuel generators offer a viable alternative to traditional diesel or gasoline-powered generators. They utilize biofuels such as biodiesel and bioethanol, which are derived from renewable resources, thus supporting the transition towards a more sustainable energy future. The growth in biofuel generator sales is also driven by advancements in technology that enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs, making them an attractive option for a wide range of applications.

From a regional perspective, North America and Europe are currently the largest markets for biofuels, driven by strong regulatory frameworks and significant investments in renewable energy. However, the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period, owing to increasing industrialization, urbanization, and supportive government policies in countries like China and India. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also anticipated to see substantial growth, driven by abundant feedstock availability and growing energy needs.

Fuel Type Analysis

The biofuel market is segmented into several fuel types, including Ethanol, Biodiesel, Biogas, and Others. Ethanol, being one of the most widely used biofuels, plays a significant role in this market. Ethanol is primarily used as a blending agent with gasoline to increase octane levels and reduce emissions. The growing adoption of E10 and E85 blends in countries like the United States and Brazil is a key factor driving the ethanol segment. Technological advancements in cellulosic ethanol production, which uses non-food-based feedstocks, are also contributing to the growth of this segment.

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The energy dependency rate of Czechia fluctuated in the observed period depending on the country. In 2023, its dependency on Norway amounted to 13 percent. It was followed by Russia and Azerbaijan at 12.6 and 5.2 percent, respectively. Natural gas and crude oil imports Norway's rise to prominence is particularly evident in the natural gas sector, where it exported 4.25 billion kilograms to Czechia in 2023, far outpacing Russia's 0.4 billion. However, Russia maintained its lead in crude oil imports, supplying over 4.3 million metric tons to Czechia, followed by Azerbaijan with nearly 2 million metric tons. This demonstrates the complex nature of energy dependencies, with different countries dominating various sectors of the energy market. Diversification of energy sources Czechia's efforts to diversify its energy sources are evident across multiple sectors. In coal imports, Poland emerged as the leading supplier, exporting over 3 billion kgs to Czechia in 2023. For electricity, Germany was the primary source, providing more than 4.31 terawatt hours. These diversification efforts have contributed to a long-term trend of increasing energy import dependency for Czechia, rising from 15.84 percent in 1993 to 41.68 percent in 2023. This shift underscores the country's evolving energy needs and its integration into the broader European energy market.

The European Union's share of both world exports and imports has on average been falling for the past two decades. During this time, the EU opened up a small trade deficit during the years around the Great Recession and the Eurozone crisis, before sustaining a large surplus in the years after 2011. This surplus was driven by exporting countries such as Germany who specialize in exporting products such as chemicals, manufactured products and heavy machinery, while the cost competitiveness of EU exporters was maintained by a decade which saw little real wage growth for EU workers. On the other hand, the EU also imported heavy manufactured goods, while being a notable energy and fuel importer. The economic problems experienced in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 led to Europe once more opening up a trade deficit, while this once more became a surplus in 2023 and 2024, as Europe's share of world imports sank bank to 14.4 percent and the exports to 15.8 percent.

European Union (EU) countries imported no natural gas via the pipeline Nord Stream (also known as Nord Stream 1) from Russia to Germany from the week 36, 2022, to the week 36, 2023, or from September 5, 2022, to September 10, 2023. In the week 35, 2022, the volume amounted to 62 million cubic meters, which was nearly 20 times lower than the figure recorded in the week 21, 2022, or from May 23 to May 29, 2022.

Nord Stream 1 shutdown At the beginning of September 2022, the Russian energy company Gazprom, which holds the monopoly on the country's gas export market and operates Nord Stream, announced a shutdown of the pipeline for an indefinite time period allegedly due to a gas leak and required maintenance. The shutdown was expected to lead to a rise in gas prices, which have already seen a significant increase due to the war in Ukraine. The pipeline is one of the major gas import routes to the EU. In the first three months of 2022, over 60 percent of pipeline gas imports into the EU came via Nord Stream.

Key facts about Nord Stream 1 Nord Stream was put into operation in 2011 and 2012. The annual capacity of the 1,224-kilometer-long pipeline stands at 55 billion cubic meters. However, between 2018 and 2021, the volume of gas transported via the pipeline exceeded this figure. In 2021, it amounted to over 59 billion cubic meters. A twin pipeline Nord Stream 2 has been constructed in 2021, but its certification process was halted by the German government in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Significant leaks in Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 were discovered on September 27, 2022.

Germany is the Europe's biggest importer of natural gas from Russia. In 2022, Germany imported 25.9 billion cubic meters worth of natural gas from Russia. This was followed by Turkey, which imported 21.57 billion cubic meters worth.

The European Union (EU) imported approximately 710,000 metric tons of oil and petroleum products from Russia in August 2024, having significantly decreased the import volume of that commodity group over the past year. The import volume in April 2024 was the lowest over the observed period from the beginning of 2021. The highest figure was recorded at more than 11.4 million metric tons in January 2022.