How EU Gas Hubs will be affected after the sanctions on Russia will end?

This paper explores the potential implications for European Union (EU) gas hubs if sanctions
on Russian natural gas are lifted. Employing a qualitative, scenario-based methodology, the
paper investigates three possible developments: a partial reintroduction of Russian gas supplies,
the continuation of the current LNG-dominated structure, and the evolution of a hybrid market
model combining multiple sources and pricing mechanisms. The research draws on a wide
range of institutional reports, academic literature, and official policy documents to analyze
recent transformations in the European energy landscape. Findings indicate that although the
return of Russian gas could enhance supply volumes and reduce short-term price volatility, the
EU’s broader strategic shift toward diversification, LNG infrastructure expansion, and reduced
dependency on politically unstable suppliers has reshaped the market’s structure. Moreover, the
geopolitical dimension of energy has become increasingly significant, influencing both investor
confidence and long-term planning. Gas hubs are now seen as critical elements not only in
pricing but also in ensuring supply security and market stability. Consequently, even if Russian
gas flows resume, a return to the pre-2022 energy configuration appears unlikely. Instead,
European gas hubs will continue evolving as strategic platforms within a more decentralized,
resilient, and geopolitically aware energy system. The paper offers insights that may inform
future energy strategies and policymaking in the region.