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The EU has finally approved a complete phase-out of Russian gas by 2027

Dmitro Shevchuk
Dmitro Shevchuk Executive Editor
The EU has finally approved a complete phase-out of Russian gas by 2027
Illustration: EU ban on Russian gas imports Photo: Maksym Yemelyanov, Zoonar picture alliance
The European Union has taken another step towards energy independence by approving regulations on the phased ban on Russian gas imports. The decision was made despite objections from some countries and provides for strict deadlines, penalties and mandatory diversification of supplies.

On Monday, 26 January, the Council of the European Union approved a regulation that provides for a complete halt to imports of Russian pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas by the end of 2027. The document became part of the REPowerEU strategy aimed at reducing the EU's dependence on Russian energy sources after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

According to the regulation, imports of Russian LNG must be stopped from the beginning of 2027, and pipeline gas supplies by 30 September 2027. If necessary, this deadline may be extended to 1 November 2027 if individual countries have difficulties filling their gas storage facilities before the heating season. The ban on new contracts with Russia will take effect six weeks after the regulation officially enters into force.

EU countries are also required to check the country of origin of gas before importing it. Violations of the new rules will result in fines of up to €2.5 million for individuals and up to €40 million or 3.5 per cent of annual global turnover for companies. By 1 March 2026, all countries must prepare national plans for diversifying supplies and report on existing contracts with Russia. In the event of a serious threat to energy security, the European Commission will be able to temporarily suspend the ban for up to four weeks.

The decision was adopted by a qualified majority. Hungary and Slovakia voted against it, while Bulgaria abstained. Budapest has already announced its intention to challenge the regulation in the Court of Justice of the European Union.

Before the full-scale war began, Russia supplied more than 40 per cent of the EU's gas imports. By 2025, this share had fallen to around 13 per cent. At the same time, according to the Centre for Energy and Clean Air Research, the five largest EU importers spent around €1.4 billion on Russian energy sources in just one month. Hungary, France and Belgium remained the largest buyers.

EU Council, gas, LNG, Russia, 

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