New data from Eurostat reveals Latvia has significantly reduced its energy dependency on external suppliers, particularly Russia, over the past two decades. While the European Union as a whole remains reliant on imports, Latvia’s progress stands out among its Baltic neighbors.
EU Energy Import Landscape
In 2024, oil and petroleum products accounted for 67% of the EU’s energy imports, followed by natural gas at 24%, solid fossil fuels at 4%, electricity at 3%, and renewable energy at 2%. The United States was the largest supplier of oil and petroleum products to the EU (16%), while Norway supplied the majority of natural gas (30%), and Australia provided the largest share of solid fossil fuel imports (31%).
The EU’s overall energy import dependency rate was 57% in 2024, meaning nearly 60% of its energy needs were met through net imports. Dependency rates varied significantly by country, with Malta (98%), Luxembourg (91%), and Cyprus (88%) exhibiting the highest levels. Estonia (5%), Sweden (27%), and Latvia (29%) had the lowest dependency rates.
Latvia’s Progress in Reducing Dependency
In 2004, Latvia’s import dependency rate stood at 69%. By 2024, this figure had fallen to 29%, representing a substantial turnaround. Specifically, Latvia’s dependency on solid fossil fuels decreased from 96% in 2004 to 67% in 2024. However, Latvia remains fully dependent on imports for both natural gas and oil and petroleum products.
Estonia also made significant strides, reducing its import dependency from 30% in 2004 to just under 5% in 2024. In contrast, Lithuania’s dependency rate increased during the same period, rising from 45% to 66%.
The data reflects the energy situation as of 2024, prior to Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania completely disconnecting from electricity networks linked to Russia and Belarus in 2025.
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