The EU has postponed a ban on Russian oil due to the war and the dispute over the Druzhba pipeline
The European Commission has postponed the presentation of a proposal for a complete ban on Russian oil imports into the European Union. This decision was prompted by volatility in the energy markets linked to the war in the Middle East, which is keeping the price of Brent crude above $100 per barrel.
The decision was also taken against the backdrop of a dispute with Hungary and Slovakia, which remain the only EU countries continuing to purchase Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline.
The legislative initiative, which is part of the REPowerEU roadmap, was originally scheduled to be presented on 15 April, but this date has been removed from the calendar.
European Commission spokesperson for energy Anna-Kaisa Itkonen stated that there is currently no new date. At the same time, she emphasised that work on the proposal is ongoing.
The postponement is also linked to the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which have impacted energy markets and led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies passed.
US President Donald Trump announced that productive talks had taken place with Iran regarding an end to the war, but this was denied in Tehran. Following his statement, the price of Brent crude fell from $112 to $102 per barrel.
The US also eased sanctions on Russian oil, which provoked a negative reaction in Europe.
The European Commission emphasised that the change in timing does not imply a change in policy. According to Anna-Kaisa Itkonen, the proposal will be presented.
She also cited the position of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who stated that a return to Russian fossil fuels after the end of the war in Ukraine would be a strategic mistake.
The EU had previously imposed restrictions on Russian oil imports as part of sanctions that require unanimous renewal every six months. Hungary and Slovakia have an exemption allowing them to continue purchasing oil.
The new initiative is being treated as an energy policy, so it can be adopted by a qualified majority. Brussels believes this will help avoid deadlocks in the future.
Under REPowerEU, the EU has already banned imports of Russian gas, specifically liquefied natural gas by the end of 2026 and pipeline gas by autumn 2027.
Hungary and Slovakia have already challenged the gas ban and stated that they may take similar steps if a decision on oil is adopted.
A dispute is ongoing between these countries and Ukraine over the Druzhba pipeline, through which Russian oil is supplied to Central Europe via Ukrainian territory.
Ukraine claims that the infrastructure was severely damaged by Russia in late January and requires repairs before transit can resume.
Budapest and Bratislava deny this and claim that supplies were halted for political reasons ahead of the Hungarian elections on 12 April.
The dispute over the Druzhba pipeline has blocked the provision of a €90 billion loan to Ukraine.
