At a recent high-level conference in Zagreb on U.S. LNG exports and energy security in Central and Eastern Europe—co-hosted by the New Frontier Foundation (NFF) and the American LNG industry association LNG Allies—Fred H. Hutchison, President and CEO of USLNG, underscored Croatia’s growing importance in the global energy landscape.

As reported by Jutarnji list on March 28, 2025, Hutchison emphasized that Croatia’s LNG terminal on the island of Krk is now of particular interest to the U.S. administration, as it serves as a key entry point for American LNG into the European market. With expansion plans set to increase its capacity to 6.1 bcm, the terminal plays a vital role in strengthening regional energy security and reducing Europe’s dependence on Russian gas.

The global energy map has been significantly reshaped following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While prices have somewhat stabilized, Hutchison noted that the era of cheap energy is likely over. U.S. LNG is emerging as a flexible and reliable alternative, with rising demand from both Europe and Asia.

Croatia’s strategic position on the Adriatic Sea positions it to become a regional energy hub, connecting Mediterranean LNG sources with the European mainland.

The event gathered senior officials from the U.S. State Department, major energy players including EQT Corp, ConocoPhillips, OMV Petrom, and MET, alongside Croatian and regional stakeholders.

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Fred H. Hutchison, President and CEO of the American LNG terminal association USLNG, operating under the global brand LNG Allies, visited Zagreb as a guest at a strategic conference on U.S. LNG exports and energy security in Central and Eastern Europe. The conference was organized by the Croatian think tank New Frontier Foundation and the American LNG industry association from Washington, and was attended by representatives of the U.S. State Department, including Laura Lochman and Blake Pritchett, as well as major players such as EQT Corp, ConocoPhillips, OMV Petrom, MET, and LNG Croatia.

Hutchison emphasizes that Croatia’s LNG terminal is of particular interest to the new U.S. administration because it is an import terminal and is soon to expand its capacity to 6.1 bcm. The purchase of American LNG has become one of Europe’s strongest negotiating tools.

As a lobbyist and entrepreneur, Hutchison has spent over four decades working in government and public affairs and advises both private and public organizations around the world. Early in his career, he served as a legislative assistant for energy and natural resources to U.S. Senator Frank Church.

Yes, the energy crisis in certain European Union countries is largely a consequence of deep dependence on pipeline-delivered Russian gas, which for decades provided them with affordable energy. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine disrupted that supply, Germany and other affected countries had to urgently secure alternative sources at higher prices—primarily liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States. At the same time, they rapidly developed import infrastructure, such as floating storage and regasification units.

The global energy picture has changed significantly, with U.S. LNG becoming a key alternative to Russian supply. Europe has substantially increased LNG imports, especially from the United States, while simultaneously developing new import terminals. Asian buyers, such as Japan and South Korea, have also strengthened ties with U.S. suppliers. On the other hand, Russia has redirected exports to markets such as China and India—often at significant discounts. This redistribution has increased market flexibility and competition, reducing the likelihood of any single supplier dominating the market.

The EU’s fast-paced energy transition created vulnerabilities by reducing investments in traditional energy infrastructure before renewable energy capacities were sufficiently developed. This left countries with limited options when the Russian supply crisis hit. However, this challenge also accelerated the development of renewable energy and the diversification of gas supply, which could ultimately result in a more resilient energy system. The transition itself wasn’t a mistake—but its pace outstripped security considerations.

Although prices have somewhat stabilized after the sharp spike triggered by the invasion of Ukraine, the era of extremely cheap energy is probably over. Future prices will reflect increased infrastructure investment costs, geopolitical risks, and the impact of climate policies. However, continued growth in U.S. LNG supply, technological progress in both conventional and renewable energy, and market competition could help ease prices compared to recent crisis levels.

Natural gas will remain a key transitional fuel for at least another two to three decades, with U.S. LNG playing an increasingly important role in global energy security. Demand for oil is expected to slow but will still grow in developing countries, while in developed economies it will plateau. Both energy sources will face mounting environmental pressures, prompting producers to reduce emissions through improved practices, electrification, carbon capture, and methane emission reductions. U.S. production will continue to provide a stabilizing effect on global markets.

As far as I am aware, a Trump administration would likely immediately lift the current ban on LNG export permit approvals imposed by the Biden administration. This would accelerate permitting for new LNG export projects and possibly streamline regulatory procedures for energy infrastructure development. The new administration would focus on expanding American energy production and exports, with less emphasis on the climate-related aspects of energy policy.

Croatia has already secured a key strategic position thanks to its liquefied natural gas terminal on the island of Krk, operational since 2021 and currently undergoing expansion. This terminal serves as a vital entry point for American LNG into Central and Eastern Europe, enhancing regional energy security and reducing dependency on Russian supply. Croatia’s geographic position on the Adriatic Sea gives it the potential to become an energy hub connecting Mediterranean LNG sources with inland European markets.