Claudio Descalzi, chief executive of Italian energy major Eni, has urged the European Union to suspend its planned ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG).
He warned that current geopolitical tensions risk leaving Europe without sufficient supply.
Descalzi made the remarks yesterday at an event in Rome organised by Italy’s League party, a member of the ruling coalition, at a time of heightened uncertainty in global energy markets.
“I believe it is necessary to suspend the ban that will take place from January 1, 2027 on LNG supply coming from Russia,” he said, referring to EU plans to phase out Russian gas imports.
Descalzi has led Eni, Italy’s largest energy company and one of Europe’s biggest oil and gas groups, since 2014. The company operates in more than 60 countries and plays a central role in securing gas supplies for Italy and parts of Europe.
Under Descalzi’s leadership, Eni has been at the forefront of Europe’s diversification strategy after the 2022 Ukraine war, expanding imports from Africa and the Middle East. His position gives him significant influence in European energy debates, particularly on gas supply, infrastructure and pricing.
The EU’s plan to phase out Russian gas imports is part of a broader strategy to reduce its dependence on Moscow in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine.
Under current proposals, imports of Russian liquefied natural gas under short-term contracts would be halted as early as April 25, 2026, followed by a full ban on long-term LNG contracts from January 1, 2027.
Pipeline gas is also set to be gradually phased out over the same period, with the aim of ending reliance on Russian supplies altogether by the end of 2027.
In practical terms, this would require Europe to replace around 20 billion cubic metres of Russian LNG each year — a volume that, according to Descalzi, would be difficult to secure under current market conditions, particularly in a context of rising global competition for limited supplies.
Descalzi’s call is closely tied to the escalating crisis in the Middle East. The recent US and Israeli attacks on Iran have disrupted key energy routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz — a critical chokepoint through which around 20 per cent of global LNG trade normally passes.
He described the conflict as “the most important event of the last 40 years” for global energy supply, highlighting how reduced flows from the Gulf are tightening markets and pushing prices higher.
With fewer shipments reaching Europe and Asian buyers competing aggressively for available cargoes, Descalzi warned that removing Russian LNG from the system at this stage could exacerbate shortages.
“I am not suggesting that the ban should be totally abandoned,” he added, “but it needs to be suspended or phased differently” to avoid further pressure on Europe’s industrial base.
Descalzi’s intervention underscores a growing tension within Europe between geopolitical objectives and economic realities. While EU institutions remain committed to ending reliance on Russian energy, industry leaders are increasingly warning about supply risks and rising costs.
The debate now centres on whether the bloc can maintain its political stance against Moscow while ensuring energy security, especially as instability in the Middle East adds a new layer of uncertainty to global gas markets.
For now, Descalzi’s message is clear: The geopolitical fragility of the Middle East may require a reassessment — at least temporarily — of the measures imposed on Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine.
