The EU called for tougher sanctions against Russian LNG

Imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia to the Netherlands' main terminal in Rotterdam have increased markedly in recent months, underscoring the need for new sanctions, the Dutch government said.

In the third quarter, the number of Russian ships arriving at the GATE terminal doubled to two per month. This may be due to the sanctions imposed in the summer, which prohibit the transportation of Russian LNG from the EU to third countries, but do not prohibit its import for EU member states.

Dutch Energy Minister Sophie Hermans expressed concern and stressed that reducing Russian gas imports is an important step requiring a common European approach. 

She plans to discuss the possibility of additional sanctions at a meeting of EU energy ministers on October 15 and hopes for clarification from the European Commission on possible targeted measures for member states.