The European gas market is becoming increasingly diversified and globally connected. Moving forward, Europe will need to rely on a mix of additional pipeline gas from Norway, North Africa, and Azerbaijan, alongside increased LNG imports – predominantly from the United States. Here are the key facts.
One thing is certain: the future of European gas will be defined by multiple sources and stronger interconnections – the era of relying on a single dominant supply route is over.
MET Group – one of Europe’s largest gas players, with a diversified portfolio – traded a total of 242 bcm (billion cubic meters) of natural gas in 2025, equivalent to around 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 subsea pipeline networks, acting as a critical supplier of natural gas to Europe. As of 2026, Norway provides approximately 30% of the EU’s total gas imports and over 50% of its pipeline imports, according to Eurostat.
In recent years, Norway has ramped up production to its practical operational ceiling, maintaining a steady output of around 120 bcm per year. As a result, approximately 98% of Norwegian natural gas production is exported.
Norway uses a dedicated network of pipelines directly connecting the country to major hubs in Germany, Belgium, France, and the UK. Around 8,800 km of pipelines beneath the North Sea transport natural gas to Europe.
Supply from North Africa and Azerbaijan
The North African gas supply – from Algeria, Libya, and Egypt to Southern Europe – has become another vital pillar of energy security, with the European Council estimating that they account for around 13% of the EU's total gas imports. The key player is Algeria, utilizing the Medgaz and Transmed pipelines to supply Spain and Italy.
Simultaneously, the Southern Gas Corridor – anchored by Azerbaijan, crossing seven countries and stretching across 3,500 kilometres – has expanded its reach. The Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (primarily supplying Italy) and Trans-Anatolian Pipeline now deliver gas deeper into Southern and Central Europe, even reaching markets in Austria and Germany.
US LNG on the rise
The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis reports that Europe is already buying 57% of its LNG from the United States, a share three times higher than in 2021. In line with this trend, MET Group has been proactive in securing short-, mid- and long-term LNG supply agreements – evident in the 10-year agreement with Shell to purchase US LNG.
By 2026, the European infrastructure needed 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 online.
Analysts predict that US LNG exports will continue to increase 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 US exports to Europe are forecast to grow by 18% in 2026, with further growth projected in 2027.