Russia’s pipeline gas exports to Europe fell by 44% in 2025 to their lowest level since the mid-1970s, following the closure of the Ukrainian transit route and as the European Union moves to phase out imports of Russian fossil fuels, according to Reuters calculations.
The EU has said it will stop importing Russian gas by the end of 2027 as part of efforts to reduce dependence on Moscow and curb revenues that could be used to finance Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine.
Data from European gas transmission operators group ENTSOG show that Gazprom’s pipeline supplies to Europe totalled about 18 billion cubic metres (bcm) in 2025, all of which were delivered via the TurkStream subsea pipeline.
That marks the lowest level of Russian pipeline gas exports to Europe since the early 1970s. By comparison, the Soviet Union supplied 19.3 bcm of gas to Europe in 1975, according to Gazprom data.
Europe was previously Russia’s largest source of budget revenues from oil and gas sales, with pipeline exports peaking at more than 175–180 bcm annually in 2018 and 2019, generating tens of billions of dollars for Gazprom and the Russian state, which holds a controlling stake in the company.
TurkStream is now the only remaining pipeline route for Russian gas exports to Europe after Ukraine opted not to renew a five-year transit agreement with Moscow that expired on Jan. 1.
Serbia, Hungary and Slovakia receive gas via TurkStream, in addition to Turkey. Russia also supplies gas to Europe in liquefied form (LNG) by tanker and remains the EU’s second-largest gas supplier after the United States.
In December, gas flows through TurkStream to Europe rose by 12.9% from a year earlier to about 56 million cubic metres per day and were up 3% from November, the data showed.
Total exports via TurkStream to Europe increased by around 7% this year from 2024 levels to 16.8 bcm. Including volumes previously shipped via Ukraine, Russia’s gas exports to Europe reached 32 bcm in 2024, up 13% from 2023.
Gazprom’s gas exports to Turkey remain steady at about 20 bcm per year.
The sharp decline in Russian pipeline gas exports has direct implications for the Balkans, particularly for countries that continue to rely on supplies delivered via TurkStream. Serbia, Hungary and Slovakia remain key recipients, while Western Balkan countries, including North Macedonia, are closely monitoring supply security and price trends.
Analysts say any further reduction in Russian gas flows or tighter sanctions could increase pressure on regional energy markets and accelerate diversification efforts, including new interconnectors with Greece and greater use of liquefied natural gas (LNG).