The EU is considering imposing energy sanctions on Russia following the attack on a nuclear power plant.

• On Friday, EU foreign affairs ministers will gather in Brussels to discuss the next course of action in response to Moscow's ongoing bombardment of Ukraine.
• According to three unnamed European officials, energy sanctions on Russia will be under consideration when ministers convene.
• Russia is a crucial source of energy for the EU.
• In 2021, approximately 45% of gas imported by the European Union came from the country, as stated by the International Energy Agency.

The energy sector in Russia could be targeted by new sanctions being considered by the European Union.

According to three unnamed European officials, energy sanctions on Russia will be under consideration when ministers meet on Friday.

EU foreign ministers are gathered in Brussels to discuss the next course of action as Russia continues to attack Ukraine. In the past 24 hours, concerns have escalated due to Russia's recent attack on Europe's largest nuclear plant, which has now been taken over by Russian forces in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine.

Before the meeting, Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, informed CNBC's Steve Sedgwick that "all options are open."

Officials have stated that energy sanctions will be discussed today, but no significant decision is anticipated. Additionally, both defensive and offensive sanctions against Russia will be considered.

The discussions will include representatives from Ukraine, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

A third official stated that Friday was an opportune time to assess the West's stance on sanctions and demonstrate "the transatlantic unity and the excellent cooperation between the EU and NATO."

Despite the EU's previous actions in sanctioning the Kremlin, including blocking Russian banks from SWIFT, there is increasing pressure on the bloc to take further measures.

The European Parliament's liberal party, Renew Europe, declared on Thursday that they support a complete economic embargo on Russia, which would prohibit imports of oil, gas, and investments.

Russia is a crucial source of energy for the European Union.

In 2021, the EU imported approximately 45% of its gas from a specific country, as per the International Energy Agency. In 2020, Russian oil made up roughly 25% of the bloc's oil purchases, according to regional statistics.

EU sanctions have not yet affected Sberbank and Gazprombank, two significant Russian banks, as they facilitate transactions related to the supply of energy to the EU, according to Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

This is unacceptable," he stated. "Poland demands sanctions to cover all Russian entities involved in financing the war.

The US has stated that energy sanctions could be implemented, but the expenses associated with doing so must be evaluated.

The imposition of energy embargoes could result in increased expenses for consumers in both the U.S. and the EU.

Energy sanctions on Russia would cause significant harm, according to Emre Peker, an analyst at Eurasia Group, who shared this view with CNBC on Thursday.

As winter fades and spring approaches, the longer the decision is delayed, the easier it becomes to move, according to Peker.

The Kremlin's attack on Ukraine and democratic values in Europe justifies any ripple effects from sanctioning Russia, according to the bloc.