U.S. LNG Exports and Central Eastern Europe Energy Security

Geopolitical Considerations for Industry and Policy Makers
for Expanded Trade and Faster Development of Energy Infrastructure

Zagreb/Island of Krk, Croatia

March 26 – 28, 2025

The conference titled “U.S. LNG Exports and Central Eastern Europe Energy Security “, organized by the New Frontier Foundation1 and USLNG Association2, held under the Chatham House Rule, explored the geopolitical considerations for industry and policymakers for expanded trade and faster development of energy infrastructure between the United States and Europe, with a specific focus on Croatia’s role.

The discussion focused on industry developments, policy changes, and regional energy security regarding U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to Central and Eastern Europe. The comprehensive discussion was enriched by the participation of Ms. Laura Lochman, Acting Assistant Secretary from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Energy Resources, and Mr. Vedran Špehar, State Secretary ofthe Ministry of Economy in Croatia. Keynote remarks were delivered by Fred Hutchison, President and CEO of The UNLNG Associates (LNG Allies), and Hasan Davuclu, Professor from Arizona State University. Panels were moderated by Natko Vlahović (NFF), Ambassador Vladimir Drobnjak (NFF), Ivan Kurtović (NFF), Hasan Davuclu, and Fred Hutchison, and included valuable contributions of Laura Lochman, Ivan Fugaš (Managing Director LNG Croatia), Keith Shoemaker (Senior Vice President Commercial, EQT Corp.), Irena Alajbeg (Economic Affairs Directorate, Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs), Ambassador Pavel Czerwinski (Embassy of Poland in Croatia), Leo Dolezil (energy expert from Croatia), Robert Bošnjak (Advisor to Board Member, Plinacro TSO), and Mac Mirazee (Director, Global Strategic Accounts, Chart Industries).

The main highlights of the conference were:

• The most expensive energy is the energy that is not available

• Compatibility and reliability are centerpieces of long-term LNG supply. Robust and diversified energy infrastructure, developed through technologically sound and policy-driven initiatives, is the bedrock for European energy security

• The United States has transitioned from net importer to net exporter of LNG. American LNG export capacity is rapidly expanding, with projections to be 40% greater than any other country by 2030

• Croatia’s Krk LNG terminal is expanding from a technical capacity of 2.9 billion cubic meters (bcm) to a maximum capacity of 6.1 bcm by late 2025, serving as a key regional hub

• Plinacro (Croatian TSO) is investing €534 million in pipeline expansions to support increased LNG capacity

• European Union (EU) regulations on methane emissions and carbon border adjustments could impact U.S.-EU LNG trade if not carefully and evenhandedly implemented

You can find the full version of the report from the conference here:
U.S. LNG Exports and CEE Energy Security Report.