Resumen de Türkiye’s energy diplomacy and the softening of sanctions: risks for European energy security

Martin Vladimirov, Molly Rickles

• Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Türkiye has emerged as a pivotal enabler of Russia’s sanctions evasion by serving as a critical hub for laundering oil, gas, and dual-use goods. By exploiting regulatory loopholes, Türkiye has facilitated the continued flow of Russian energy into Europe, undermining the EU’s decoupling strategy and weakening the integrity of Western sanctions. Turkiye’s unique geopolitical position has allowed it to strengthen economic ties with Russia while still selling energy to the EU. To decrease this threat to the EU’s energy security and increase the impact of sanctions, the EU needs to take decisive action to close these laundering networks.