Cutting off Russian energy has been an economic disaster for Europe. Companies now pay two to three times more for electricity than American competitors and 4.5 times more for gas, forcing widespread factory closures and job losses. The EU paid an extra $204 billion for natural gas over 20 months while household electricity prices hit record highs, proving this self-inflicted crisis has devastated European industry and workers.
Europe's dependence on Russian gas was the greatest geopolitical blunder of the 21st century. Moscow weaponized energy exports for decades, cutting off supplies to Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine to exert political control while Europe ignored the warnings. Ending this dangerous relationship was essential for security and independence, even if transition costs are high in the short term.
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