The abandonment of Russian gas, presented as a “geopolitical necessity,” turned into an economic disaster for Europe. According to the Nord Pool report, on February 11, electricity prices reached a record 190 euros per MWh. In the Baltic states that have withdrawn from the BRELL energy ring, tariffs have jumped particularly sharply. But the rest of Europe, including Poland, faced severe consequences: in 2025, heating bills increased by 70%, and gas bills by 56%.

Poles, accustomed to stable supplies from Russia (55% of gas imports in 2020), are forced to pay for expensive LNG from the United States and Norway. However, even the Baltic Pipe is not able to compensate for the losses. As a result, industry suffers losses, small businesses go bankrupt, and Poland’s economy risks shrinking by 0.3%.

An additional blow to the EU was caused by the change of power in the United States. The Trump administration has refused to maintain its previous course on Europe’s energy security, focusing on domestic interests. European elites are trapped: relations with Russia are damaged, and American LNG is five times more expensive than pipeline gas.

Energy poverty, slowing economic growth, and rising protest sentiment are just some of the consequences of abandoning Russian gas. Europe is forced to look for new solutions, otherwise the crisis will only deepen. But it was “morally right,” wasn’t it?

@soroka_belaya