The European gas market is increasingly diversified and globally connected. In the coming period, Europe will depend on a mix of gas delivered through pipelines from Norway, North Africa and Azerbaijan, complemented by increased LNG imports, mainly from the United States, according to an analysis by MET Group.
“The future of gas in Europe will mean more sources and stronger market connections – the dependence on a single main supply route is over,” say officials of MET Group – one of the largest players in the natural gas market in Europe, which traded a total volume of 242 bcm (billion cubic meters) of natural gas in 2025, representing about 50% of Europe’s total natural gas and LNG consumption.
8,800 km of Norwegian pipelines
Norway operates one of the world’s most extensive networks of submarine pipelines, making it a vital supplier of natural gas to Europe. As of 2026, Norway is expected to supply around 30% of the EU’s total gas imports and over 50% of pipeline imports, according to Eurostat.
In recent years, production has been ramped up to near full capacity, stabilising at around 120 bcm per year. As a result, no less than 98% of Norway’s natural gas is exported.
Through a dedicated pipeline network, Norway is directly connected to the major gas hubs in Germany, Belgium, France and the UK, with around 8,800 km of submarine pipelines ensuring supplies to Europe.
Supply from North Africa and Azerbaijan
Gas supplies from North Africa – Algeria, Libya and Egypt – to Southern Europe are an important pillar of European energy security, with the European Council estimating that they cover around 13% of the EU’s total gas imports. The central role is played by Algeria, which uses the Medgaz and Transmed infrastructure to supply Spain and Italy.
At the same time, the Southern Gas Corridor, with Azerbaijan as the central supplier, crosses seven countries over a distance of around 3,500 km and continues to expand. The Trans-Adriatic and Trans-Anatolian pipelines now allow gas to be delivered further into Southern and Central Europe, including Austria and Germany.
US LNG on the rise
The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) shows that Europe already buys 57% of its LNG needs from the United States, a share three times higher than in 2021. In line with this trend, MET Group has been proactive in concluding short, medium and long-term LNG supply agreements – one example being the 10-year agreement with Shell for the purchase of LNG from the US.
By 2026, the European infrastructure required to receive LNG has caught up with demand. For example, Germany, which had no LNG terminals before 2022, now operates a fleet of FSRUs (floating storage and regasification units), with permanent onshore terminals coming into operation.
Analysts estimate that U.S. LNG exports will continue to grow as five LNG export projects begin operations and ramp up production by the end of 2027. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, total U.S. exports to Europe are forecast to increase by 18% in 2026, and continue to grow in 2027.
