The European Commission is putting forward a legislative proposal to phase out Russian energy by the EU by 2027.
“Today we have decided to close the tap of Russian gas. For too long our energy dependence has hurt Europe and helped Russia. This will no longer be the case,” said European Commissioner for Energy Dan Jorgensen.
The reduction of the share of Russian gas and oil will take place in stages. Gas imports under the new contracts will be banned from 1 January 2026. Until 17 June 2026, imports under existing short-term contracts will cease.
The exception will be for landlocked pipeline gas consuming countries, such as Hungary. Also – for those who have concluded long-term contracts. They will be terminated only at the end of 2027. The ban will also apply to importers of liquefied natural gas.
“This phased approach will help to effectively halt Russian gas imports, while limiting the potential impact on EU energy prices and avoiding any risk to security of supply. The Commission will support Member States throughout the process,” the European Commission said in a statement.
The European Commissioner for Energy, presenting the legislation, emphasised that Russian carriers would not return to the EU if peace prevails in Ukraine.
“These are not sanctions related to the conflict in Ukraine and Russian aggression. We are introducing these measures because Russia has used energy against us and blackmailed EU member states. It is not a trading partner that can be trusted. It also means that whether there is peace, which we all hope for, or not, of course this ban will still be in place,” Jorgensen said.
The EU now imports 35 billion cubic metres of Russian gas. Of that, 20 billion is liquefied natural gas, arriving primarily at ports in France, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Pipeline gas, which respectively amounts to 15 billion cubic metres, arrives in Central and Southern Europe (Hungary, Slovakia, Greece) via Turkish Stream.
Under the proposed regulation, companies with contracts to supply Russian gas will have to report to the European Commission and customs.
“Importers will have to provide customs authorities with information on the origin of the gas, the identity of the supplier and the entry and delivery points for LNG. The Commission will also have a full picture of the market by accessing information on supply contracts. This will make our ban effective,” said Commissioner Jørgensen.
For gas exported to the EU, Russia received about 15 billion euros from the bloc last year. Another seven billion for oil. Its imports are going to be stopped by the end of 2027.
Member states will be obliged to submit diversification plans with precise measures and stages for the gradual cancellation of Russian gas and oil imports.
In case of emergency, the European Commission has envisaged “precautionary measures to respond to the reality of the gas markets”. They could be used “in the event of a threat to the security of supply of one or more Member States”.
“The Commission will continue to work closely with Member States to diversify and improve infrastructure, especially those most affected,” the European Commission said in a statement.
The regulation proposed by the European Commission must be approved by the European Parliament and the EU Council