Europe’s Energy Dependency in 2023: Malta Tops the EU Ranking with 97.5% Dependence
Eurostat’s latest data for 2023 reveal a stark picture of Europe’s energy landscape. The EU as a whole remains highly dependent on imported energy, with a dependency rate of 58.3%, meaning that more than half of all energy consumed across the Union must be sourced from outside its borders.
This figure, published in the new ‘Key figures on Europe – 2025 edition’, shows not only the continuing vulnerabilities in the EU’s energy system but also the dramatic differences between Member States.
Malta and Cyprus: The Most Energy-Dependent States in the EU
At the top of the chart are two island nations:
- 🇲🇹 Malta – 97.5% energy dependency
- 🇨🇾 Cyprus – 92.2% energy dependency
For Malta, this is not simply a statistic but a structural reality. The island lacks natural energy resources and relies almost entirely on fuel imports for electricity generation and transport. While the country has taken steps toward diversification, including interconnectors and renewable energy incentives, the 2023 data show that the island remains almost entirely dependent on external suppliers.
Cyprus faces similar geographic and structural constraints. Its high dependency reflects both the absence of a natural gas network and delays in integrating domestic offshore resources into the energy mix.
The Middle of the Pack: Europe’s Larger Economies
Several of the EU’s major economies sit close to or above the EU average of 58.3%.
Countries such as Italy, Spain, Germany, and Ireland show dependency rates ranging from roughly 60% to over 70%. These figures illustrate a broader European challenge: even well-developed economies remain reliant on external energy flows, whether through natural gas pipelines, LNG imports, or oil supplies.
The data also make it clear that, despite the push toward renewables, Europe has yet to significantly reduce its import dependency, a long-standing strategic objective.
Estonia and Sweden: Europe’s Most Energy-Independent States
At the other end of the scale, two countries stand out:
- 🇪🇪 Estonia – 3.4%
- 🇸🇪 Sweden – 26.3%
Estonia’s extraordinarily low dependency rate reflects a combination of factors:
- strong domestic energy production, historically through oil shale;
- diversification into renewables;
- and improved energy security planning in response to regional geopolitical tensions.
Sweden’s relatively low dependence is the result of a robust energy mix that includes hydroelectricity, nuclear power, and a highly developed renewable-energy sector. Sweden has long been a model within the EU for sustainable and diversified energy production.
What the 2023 Data Tell Us
This year’s figures highlight several significant trends:
1. The EU remains structurally dependent on imports.
Despite significant investments in renewable energy and decarbonisation, more than half of the EU’s energy still comes from abroad.
2. Geography and infrastructure shape dependency.
Islands and small states, Malta and Cyprus, bear the highest dependency burden.
3. Domestic energy production remains key to independence.
Estonia and Sweden demonstrate that a robust domestic energy base, whether fossil or renewable, significantly reduces reliance on imports.
4. The energy transition is progressing unevenly.
Some Member States are diversifying quickly, while others remain vulnerable to external shocks.
Looking Ahead
The EU’s long-term goal is to reduce vulnerability by expanding renewable energy sources, building interconnectors, modernising energy grids, and strengthening strategic reserves. Yet, the Eurostat figures make it clear that in 2023, energy security remains a significant challenge and a source of inequality within the Union.
For Malta and Cyprus, the road ahead requires continued investment in renewable energy capacity, energy storage technologies, and stronger links with European networks. Perhaps these islands should start seriously thinking about investing in hydrogen energy.