The EU has agreed to completely abandon Russian gas by 2028
EU ambassadors agreed to completely abandon Russian gas, adopting a compromise text during the COREPER I meeting. This was reported by the spokesperson for the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU to the publication Ukrainska Pravda. The document will soon be submitted to the European Parliament, with a vote expected in early 2026, after which the decision will be finally approved by the EU Council.
Under the agreed terms, imports of Russian liquefied gas will be phased out in two stages: from 25 April 2026 for short-term contracts and from 1 January 2027 for long-term contracts. Pipeline gas transit will end on 17 June 2026 for short-term contracts and on 30 September 2027 for long-term contracts. If countries fail to ensure the necessary level of gas storage, the deadline may be moved to 1 November 2027.
The decision emphasises the need for stricter control over imports, especially when there is a high risk of sanctions being circumvented. The European Union considers the phasing out of Russian gas to be a key element of energy security, which should weaken dependence on Moscow and reduce its export revenues.