EU pools companies' requests to buy more non Russian gas
In the coming weeks the European Union will begin pooling the demand for gas from European companies, said its energy commissioner, as it attempts to accelerate its efforts to phase-out Russian energy. The EU is currently negotiating proposals that would ban all Russian gas and oil imports by the end of January 2028. Last week, sanctions were adopted to ban Russian gas liquefied earlier, in January 2027.
JERA Nex BP halts US Beacon Wind Project as Costs Soar
JERA Nex BP is a joint venture formed by Japan's largest power generator JERA, and BP. It plans to halt the development of the U.S. Beacon off-shore wind power project, and layoff its U.S. workers in the next few months, according to a press release. The decision is the latest blow to the U.S. Offshore Wind Industry, which has already been hurt by rising costs due to supply chain disruptions, inflation, and President Donald Trump's opposition against such projects.
EU agrees to end Russian gas imports gradually by January 1, 2020
The Council of the European Union reported that the EU energy ministers backed on Monday the proposal to eliminate Russian gas and oil imports into the EU by January 2028. At a meeting held in Luxembourg, the ministers approved plans that would gradually phase out all new Russian gas import agreements from January 2026. Existing short-term agreements will be terminated in June 2026 and long-term arrangements in January 2028. The law has not been finalized.
First political hurdle cleared for EU's plan on phase-out of Russian energy
EU diplomats reported that the ambassadors of European Union countries agreed on Wednesday to push ahead with the plan to stop Russian oil and natural gas imports by the year 2028. This agreement cleared the first political hurdle for the law before it is voted on later this month. The EU is currently negotiating proposals that would phase out Russian gas and oil by January 2028. This is an attempt to deny the Kremlin any revenue to fund their war in Ukraine.
EUROPE GAS - Prices rise after Ukraine attacks on gas infrastructure and colder forecasts
Dutch and British gas rates rose on Monday morning, as colder weather forecasts increased demand for heating. Worries over Russian attacks against Ukrainian gas production may also have contributed to the increase. LSEG data shows that the benchmark Dutch front-month contract was 32.70 euros per Megawatt Hour (MWh) or $11.19/mmBtu at 0935 GMT. This is an increase of 1.32 euros. The Dutch day-ahead contracts was up 1,74 euros to 32,74 euros/MWh.
Fluxys declares Force Majeure at Dunkirk LNG Hub due to Strike by French Workers
Fluxys, the operator of the Dunkirk LNG Terminal, declared force majeure on the site Wednesday until the early morning hours of October 3. The strike by French national unions is expected to affect delivery capacity for at least two days. Dunkirk's LNG terminal is Europe's second-largest and only directly connected to Belgium and France. It supplies about 20% of the annual gas requirements for both countries.
EU to ban Russian LNG imports under pressure from Trump
EU sources confirmed on Friday that the European Union intends to ban Russian LNG imports a year sooner than originally planned as part of the 19th package against Moscow. This change was reportedly prompted by President Donald Trump's pressure. When it presents its package to EU envoys on Friday, the European Commission, which is the executive branch of the bloc's 27 members, will propose to bring the ban forward until Jan. 1, 2027.
Russia's LNG Exports by Destinations and Volume
EU sources confirmed on Friday that the European Commission would propose to ban Russian LNG imports a year sooner than originally planned as part of the 19th package sanctions against Moscow. Here are some statistics about Russia's gas exports, by volume and destination. In January-August 2025, Russia exported 18.8 million metric tonnes of liquefied gas. Of this amount, 9.5 million tons went to Asia while 9.2 millions tons went to Europe.
German spot prices are affected by the increase in wind power supply
The German spot electricity contract on Friday dropped sharply Thursday. Strong gains in wind energy output are expected to continue until next Monday. By 0802 GMT, the German baseload contract for day-ahead was down by 20.5% to 60 euros ($70.14). The French equivalent contract increased 52.4%, to 16 euros/MWh. Analysts at Engie Energy Scan said that location spreads in Western Europe are increasing, although not equally.
Prices for EUROPE GAS rise due to higher demand and lower LNG exports
Dutch and British wholesale gas rates rose slightly Monday morning due to higher demand and lower LNG terminal send-out. LSEG data shows that the benchmark Dutch front-month contract for the TTF hub increased by 0.27 euros, to 32.35 Euro per megawatt hour at 0827 GMT. The contract for November was up by 0.28 euros at 33.18 euro/MWh. The British contract for delivery in October rose by 1,01 pence, to 79.51 cents per therm.
ExxonMobil is considering selling European chemical plants to FT, reports
The Financial Times reported that ExxonMobil was looking to sell its European chemical plants located in the UK, and Belgium, as the industry struggles with the impact of U.S. Tariffs and the competition from China. In recent weeks, the U.S. energy company has been in early discussions with advisors about possible sales that could bring up to $1 billion. The newspaper cited two sources. Exxon informed the newspaper that they do not "comment upon rumours and speculations".
Workers Strike at Fluxys Dunkirk LNG terminal
Workers began a three-day strike over pay at Belgian gas terminal operator Fluxys' Dunkirk liquefied natural gas terminal late on Monday evening, part of a broader action in the power and gas sector focused on pensions and wages.The Dunkirk LNG terminal is the second largest in continental Europe and the only terminal directly connected to two separate markets - Belgium and France - accounting…
Workers strike at Fluxys Dunkirk LNG terminal in Belgium
The Dunkirk terminal of Belgian gas terminal operator Fluxys began a 3-day strike on Monday night over wages. This was part of an action in the energy and gas sector that focused on wages and pensions. Dunkirk LNG is Europe's second-largest terminal and the only one directly connected to Belgium and France, which accounts for around 20% of their annual gas consumption. A representative of the CGT…
Prices for Europe GAS are mixed due to stronger winds and lower Norwegian flows
The Dutch and British wholesale gas price were mixed Tuesday morning, due to higher wind production and lower Norwegian supply. LSEG data shows that the benchmark Dutch front-month contract for the TTF hub at 0831 GMT was up 0.59 euro at 32.25 Euro per megawatt hour. The contract for the day-ahead has dropped by 0.05 euros to 31.75 Euro/MWh. The British gas front-month contract price increased by 0.35 pence to 79.55 cents per therm.
Engie, France, reports 9.4% decline in first-half earnings
PARIS, 1 August - French utility Engie reported a 9.4% drop in its half-year earnings Friday as higher revenues from natural gas distribution were not enough to offset lower prices for energy and hydropower. The company's first-half earnings, excluding nuclear operations, were 5.1 billion euro ($5.82 billion), down from 5.6 billion euro a year earlier. "These results are solid, given the normalisation of market conditions in a geopolitical and economic context that is uncertain…
The EU's plans to ban Russian gas
The European Commission proposed Tuesday legally binding measures to end the European Union's imports from Russia of gas and liquefied gas by the end 2027. This would put an end to decades-old energy relationships with Europe's ex-top gas supplier. The details of the proposals are below. They still require approval by EU countries and the European Parliament. The ban will be implemented in phases.
Egypt To Buy Up To 160 LNG Cargoes Through 2026
Egypt has reached agreements with several energy firms and trading houses to buy 150 to 160 cargoes of liquefied natural gas, as it ramps up purchases to meet power demands despite strained government finances, industry sources said.The world's most populous Arab country has endured rolling blackouts over the past two years as natural gas supply fell short of demand. It returned to being a net importer of gas last year…
Where is the money that the EU promised to workers in order to go green
The latest data available from the European Commission shows that the EU member states spent only EUR735 millions ($840 million US), the total amount of the fund, between March 2021 and March 2025. The Just Transition Fund is failing to provide adequate assistance for workers who are out of work, said Ciaran Mulooly. He was investigating the performance of the fund as a reporteur. "It's a total disaster from an employment standpoint." The towns are left with nothing.
Greenpeace removes a wax statue of Macron due to French trade with Russia
Greenpeace activists moved a wax sculpture of French President Emmanuel Macron, which was displayed at the Grevin Museum of Paris, to the Russian embassy on Monday in protest of French business ties and the lack of climate action. The French presidency did not respond to a request for comment immediately. Greenpeace's spokesperson confirmed that the activists entered the museum as regular visitors on Monday and proceeded to the room with Macron's wax figure.
French and Benelux stocks: Factors to watch
Here are some company news and stories that could impact the markets in France and Benelux or even individual stocks. CREDIT AGICOLE: French bank Credit Agricole announced on Wednesday that it had signed a long term partnership agreement with Belgium’s Crelan Group, and would be acquiring a 9.9% share in the company. ELIOR GROUP - French food caterer Elior lowered on Wednesday its organic revenue growth forecast for 2025, citing a priority on profitability.