Italy has voiced firm support for the European Union’s plan to eliminate Russian gas imports by 2027, marking a continued shift in Europe’s energy landscape following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The endorsement was made by Italy’s Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, who affirmed Rome's commitment during a press briefing alongside EU Commissioner Teresa Ribera. The move aligns with broader EU efforts to sever energy ties with Moscow and strengthen the bloc’s energy independence and security.

Although Italy still imported limited volumes of Russian gas last year, most of that supply was redirected to Austria. Minister Pichetto noted that Italy is now essentially independent of Russian gas, thanks to diversified supply routes and expanded infrastructure. He emphasized that the EU’s target of eliminating Russian gas dependency by 2027 is both realistic and necessary, especially in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions. Italy’s proactive adaptation to alternative energy sources has positioned it as a reliable partner in the EU’s collective energy strategy.

The EU recently announced it will propose legal measures to phase out all Russian gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) by the end of 2027. This marks a historic departure from decades of heavy reliance on Russia for energy. The decision follows the breakdown in energy cooperation with Russia after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The shift will require EU member states to further diversify their energy imports and accelerate investment in renewables, infrastructure, and alternative fuel sources, such as U.S.-produced LNG.

Italy, which has already expanded its regasification infrastructure, is exploring increased LNG imports from the United States. During a recent visit to Washington, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni discussed this possibility with U.S. President Donald Trump. However, Minister Pichetto clarified that any decisions to increase LNG imports from America would be left to private energy companies, not the state. Such decisions, he stressed, must be economically viable and based on market competitiveness rather than political considerations.

Despite its openness to more U.S. LNG, Italy has raised concerns about the current pricing of American gas. Minister Pichetto pointed out the dramatic price disparity between LNG’s export cost in the U.S. and its arrival price in Europe. He questioned how gas that leaves Florida at $10–12 per megawatt hour (MWh) could end up costing $36 per MWh in Portugal, attributing the increase to the complex bargaining and logistics handled by private market players. This underscores a key challenge in the EU's energy transition: ensuring affordability alongside diversification.

Ultimately, Italy’s stance reflects a delicate balance between supporting strategic EU goals and safeguarding economic rationality. While Italy endorses the political urgency of phasing out Russian gas, it also highlights the economic realities of sourcing energy from alternative suppliers. As Europe accelerates its energy transition, issues such as LNG pricing, infrastructure capacity, and the role of private energy markets will be critical to achieving long-term energy security and sustainability.
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