European Union countries have agreed to phase out gas imports from Russia by the end of 2027, marking a significant step toward reducing their dependence on Russian energy. The decision was made by energy ministers meeting in Luxembourg, who approved a plan proposed by the European Commission to eliminate both pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Russia. This move is part of a broader EU strategy to wean itself off Russian energy supplies, a challenge that has persisted despite Moscow’s ongoing war with Ukraine.
Lars Aagaard, Denmark’s energy minister and current holder of the EU’s rotating presidency, described the agreement as “crucial” for making Europe energy‑independent. The plan will still need approval by the EU Parliament. Although the EU is working to reduce Russian energy imports, it still relies on Russia for roughly 13 % of its gas imports, worth more than €15 billion annually.
The European Commission is pushing for LNG imports to be phased out by January 2027 as part of a new sanctions package aimed at limiting Moscow’s financial resources. Sanctions, however, require unanimous approval from all 27 EU nations, which can be difficult to achieve. In contrast, trade restrictions like the one approved on Monday need only a weighted majority of 15 countries. All EU members except Hungary and Slovakia supported the move; the two dissenting nations are diplomatically closer to the Kremlin and continue to import Russian gas via pipeline.
Hungarian officials have warned that the new regulation could harm their country’s energy security, citing geographical constraints that make Russian gas imports necessary. Under the proposed plan, new contracts for Russian gas imports will be banned starting 1 January 2026. Existing contracts will be allowed to continue during a transition period: short‑term contracts may operate until 17 June 2026, while long‑term contracts can remain in force until 1 January 2028.
The EU’s decision to end Russian gas imports by 2027 represents a major step toward achieving energy independence and reducing reliance on Russian energy supplies.
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