European Union secures gas deal with the U.S. as it seeks to cut dependence on Russia

The U.S. announced Friday that it will work with international partners to provide at least 15 billion cubic meters more of liquified natural gas to Europe over the course of the next year, a move aimed at ending the bloc's reliance on Russian energy exports.

According to a White House statement, that volume of natural gas will increase as the project moves forward. 

The plan arrives as concern heightens that countries importing energy from Russia are funding Vladimir Putin's war on a daily basis. India, the world's most populous democracy, has especially stood out for openly continuing its purchases of Russian energy products. Chinese firms have also continued purchasing Russian crude oil, albeit less openly, Bloomberg noted.

President Joe Biden described the deal as a "groundbreaking" new strategy intended to "increase energy security, economic security and national security."

His partner in the deal, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, spoke beside the U.S. leader in Brussels saying, "I know that eliminating Russian gas will have costs for Europe. But it’s not only the right thing to do from a moral standpoint, it’s going to put us on a much stronger strategic footing." 

"All of this is bringing the European Union and the United States even closer together, and that’s a win for all of us," said Biden.

The "Task Force For Energy Security" will operate with a goal of bolstering energy security for Ukraine and the rest of the EU heading into next winter and the one following. The primary goal of the force is diversifying liquified natural gas supplies with respect to climate goals and a reduced demand for natural gas.