EU To End Russian Gas Imports By 2027

 

October 20, (THEWILL) — The European Union (EU) has agreed to phase out all remaining gas imports from Russia by the end of 2027, marking a major step toward ending the bloc’s longstanding energy dependence on Moscow.

The agreement, reached on Monday in Luxembourg, follows a proposal by the European Commission to end both pipeline and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Russia. The plan will now be forwarded to the European Parliament for approval.

Denmark’s Energy Minister and current holder of the EU’s rotating presidency, Lars Aagaard, described the decision as “crucial” for achieving Europe’s energy independence.

“Although we have worked hard and pushed to get Russian gas and oil out of Europe in recent years, we are not there yet,” Aagaard said.

The new measure forms part of a broader EU strategy to cut off Russian energy revenues that help finance the war in Ukraine. The Commission has also proposed halting LNG imports by January 2027 under a separate sanctions package.

Unlike sanctions, which require unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states, Monday’s trade restrictions only needed the backing of a qualified majority — at least 15 countries representing 65 percent of the EU’s population.

While Hungary and Slovakia, both of which maintain close ties with the Kremlin, continue to import Russian gas through pipelines, most member states supported the decision. Slovakia defended its continued imports, citing geographic constraints.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, EU pipeline gas imports from Moscow have fallen sharply.

However, several European countries have increased purchases of Russian LNG transported by sea. Russian gas is still expected to account for about 13 percent of EU imports in 2025, worth an estimated €15 billion annually, according to figures from Brussels.

Under the new plan, EU countries will be prohibited from signing new contracts for Russian gas from January 1, 2026. Existing short-term contracts will be allowed to continue until June 17, 2027, while long-term contracts will expire no later than January 1, 2028.

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