The European Union has reached a landmark agreement to ban all imports of Russian gas by autumn 2027, marking a significant step towards reducing its dependence on Russian energy. EU lawmakers and member states announced the deal early Wednesday, following a compromise between the European Parliament and member states, which had been seeking a sooner implementation.

The agreement aims to phase out Russian natural gas imports, citing Russia’s use of energy as a geopolitical tool with significant effects on the European energy market. The European Council stated that the move is intended to end the EU’s reliance on Russian energy, which has been a major point of contention since the start of the conflict in Ukraine.

According to the terms of the agreement, the ban on long-term contracts for gas delivered by pipelines will come into effect on November 1, 2027, at the latest, while the ban on liquified natural gas (LNG) imports will start on January 1, 2027. For short-term contracts, the ban will be implemented on April 25, 2026, for LNG and on June 17, 2026, for pipeline gas. These timelines are subject to final approval from the European Parliament and member states.

This decision is part of the EU’s broader effort to diversify its energy sources and reduce its vulnerability to external pressures. The European Union has been working to increase its energy independence, exploring alternative sources of natural gas, such as those from the United States, Qatar, and other countries.

The ban on Russian gas imports is expected to have significant implications for the European energy market, as well as for Russia’s economy, which relies heavily on energy exports. The EU’s decision may also have a ripple effect on global energy markets, as other countries reassess their energy strategies in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The European Parliament and member states will need to formally approve the agreement, which is expected to happen in the coming weeks. Once approved, the ban will mark a major shift in the EU’s energy policy, one that is likely to have far-reaching consequences for the region and beyond.