Europe’s energy system remains heavily reliant on external sources, despite years of policy discussions about independence and sustainability. The latest Energy in Europe – 2026 edition interactive publication sheds light on how energy flows into the European Union and just how dependent the region still is on imports.

The data for 2024 paints a clear picture: Europe is still powered largely by resources it does not produce itself.

What Energy Does Europe Import?

In 2024, the EU’s energy imports were dominated by oil and petroleum products, which accounted for a massive 67% of total energy imports. This category includes crude oil, still the backbone of transportation and industrial activity across the continent.

Natural gas followed with 24%, remaining a critical energy source despite ongoing efforts to diversify supply and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Other imports included:

  • Solid fossil fuels (4%), mainly coal

  • Electricity (3%)

  • Renewable energy (2%), still a surprisingly small share in cross-border trade

This breakdown highlights a slightly uncomfortable truth: despite the green transition narrative, fossil fuels continue to dominate Europe’s energy imports.

Where Does the Energy Come From?

The EU sources its energy from a range of international partners, with some countries playing a particularly significant role.

  • The United States supplied 16% of oil and petroleum products

  • Norway provided 30% of natural gas, making it the EU’s largest gas supplier

  • Australia accounted for 31% of solid fossil fuel imports, mainly coal

This global supply chain reflects both diversification efforts and ongoing geopolitical dependencies. Europe may have reduced reliance on some regions, but it has not eliminated dependence altogether.

Energy Dependency Across Europe

The EU’s overall energy import dependency rate stood at 57% in 2024, meaning nearly 60% of its energy needs were met through imports.

However, this dependency varies significantly between countries.

Highly Dependent Countries

  • Malta – 98%

  • Luxembourg – 91%

  • Cyprus – 88%

These nations rely almost entirely on external energy sources, leaving them highly vulnerable to global market fluctuations.

Least Dependent Countries

  • Estonia – 5%

  • Sweden – 27%

  • Latvia – 29%

These countries benefit from local energy production, including renewables and domestic resources, making them far more resilient.

Why This Matters

Energy dependency is not just an economic issue. It directly affects:

  • Energy security

  • Political stability

  • Price volatility for consumers and businesses

High dependency means that external events, from geopolitical conflicts to supply disruptions, can quickly impact energy prices and availability across Europe.

The Role of Data and Transparency

The interactive publication provides a more accessible way to explore complex energy statistics. With visualisations and country-level comparisons, it allows policymakers, businesses, and the public to better understand how energy systems function.

Because apparently spreadsheets alone weren’t painful enough.

Despite progress in renewable energy and diversification strategies, Europe remains significantly dependent on imported energy. Oil and gas continue to dominate, and while some countries have improved resilience, others remain almost entirely reliant on external supply.

The challenge ahead is clear: reduce dependency without breaking the system that currently keeps everything running.

Easy in theory. Slightly harder in reality.