Brussels (TDI): The European Union has officially approved a plan to stop importing Russian gas by late 2027, turning its long-standing promise to reduce dependence on Moscow into a binding law, nearly four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
EU energy ministers finalized the measure at a meeting in Brussels on Monday. Slovakia and Hungary opposed the move, while Bulgaria abstained. Hungary has announced plans to challenge the law at the European Court of Justice.
The legislation passed with a reinforced majority, enabling it to move forward despite opposition from countries that still rely heavily on Russian energy and wish to maintain close ties with Moscow.
According to the agreement, the EU will end imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) by the end of 2026 and pipeline gas by September 30, 2027. A short extension is possible, allowing a final cutoff by November 1, 2027, for countries struggling to fill their storage ahead of winter.
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Before 2022, Russia supplied more than 40% of the EU’s gas. That share fell to roughly 13% by 2025, according to the latest EU figures. Despite the reductions, some member states continue to purchase Russian oil and gas, raising concerns over ongoing funding for Moscow’s wartime economy.
The new law bans companies from entering into new contracts with Russian gas suppliers and requires the termination of existing agreements to comply with the phaseout schedule.
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Short-term contracts signed before June 17, 2025, must end by April 25, 2026, for LNG and by June 17, 2026, for pipeline deliveries. Long-term contracts are also expected to be phased out by the final deadlines. Companies that fail to comply could face fines up to 3.5% of their global annual revenue.
The European Commission has indicated that it will propose further measures to phase out Russian pipeline oil and reduce dependence on Russian nuclear fuel in the coming months.
