Henry Kissinger is said to have remarked, “Whoever controls energy sources can control whole continents.” Whether he actually said it or not, the idea holds weight. Energy geopolitics shapes the world stage today as much as ever, and nowhere is that more evident than in Europe.
When Russia invaded Ukraine, it exposed the fragility of global energy systems. Pipelines went dark, exports ground to a halt, and Europe scrambled to replace Russian gas. The ripple effects of this sudden shift were felt worldwide, underscoring just how tightly interconnected – and vulnerable – our energy networks are.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has been clear: the global gas balance is precarious. Demand continues to rise while supply remains constrained, forcing Europe to rethink how it powers itself. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) became a lifeline, particularly from allies like the US. But this shift also raises serious questions about the risks of energy dependence.
Now, as President Donald Trump lifts the US moratorium on new LNG export licenses, it begs the question: could this be the lifeline Europe needs – or a spark for even greater geopolitical tension?
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