Following the recent decision by the US Supreme Court to invalidate the tariffs imposed by former President Trump, energy relations between the EU and the US are undergoing significant transformations. The announcement of new 15% tariffs by the Biden administration has prompted the European Parliament to consider 'freezing' the trade agreement between the United States and the EU. This situation highlights the fragility of international trade agreements in light of domestic political shifts and underscores the delicate balance of energy supply chains that both regions depend on.

A central aspect of the EU-US trade agreement established last summer involved the EU's commitment to procure American natural gas and other energy products worth $750 billion over three years. As part of this agreement, the EU is poised to ban Russian natural gas shipments by 2028, further incentivizing the need for alternative energy sources. The Vertical Corridor, an initiative strongly supported by Greece, Eastern European countries, and the US, is one of the key infrastructures aimed at facilitating this transition towards American liquefied natural gas (LNG).

With the EU seeking to enhance its energy security, the Vertical Corridor represents a crucial step in reducing reliance on Russian energy while fostering closer ties with US energy suppliers. The ongoing discussions, including a ministre conference in Washington, reflect the urgency of these developments, as both the EU and US navigate the complexities of energy policy in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. The implications of these negotiations extend beyond immediate energy concerns, influencing broader trade relations and reinforcing the strategic importance of energy independence for both Europe and the US.