EU Agrees on Deal to Phase Out Russian Gas Imports
The European Council and European Parliament reached consensus on mandatory restrictions that will systematically eliminate both pipeline deliveries and liquefied natural gas shipments from Russian sources, according to a council announcement.
Under the framework, pipeline gas from Russia faces a complete ban by autumn 2027, while LNG imports will be prohibited starting at the end of 2026. The phased approach seeks to build what officials describe as a self-sufficient and robust energy infrastructure across the EU.
"The co-legislators confirmed that imports of Russian pipeline gas and LNG will be prohibited from six weeks after entry into force of the regulation, while maintaining a transition period for existing contracts," the statement further said.
Initial restrictions will kick in just six weeks following the regulation's implementation, though existing supply agreements will receive transitional accommodations during the wind-down period.
Every EU nation must develop and file comprehensive diversification strategies under the new rules. These blueprints must outline alternative supply sources and identify anticipated obstacles in meeting the imposed cutoff dates for Russian energy.
"At the same time, the agreement strengthens the Commission's oversight by requiring member states to notify the Commission within one month of the regulation's entry into force whether they have Russian gas supply contracts or national legal bans in place," the statement added.
Negotiators preserved emergency provisions allowing temporary suspension of the prohibition should unexpected circumstances jeopardize energy security in member nations. However, the Commission's authority to waive import restrictions has been substantially narrowed—permissible only during officially declared emergencies, for abbreviated durations, and exclusively through short-term procurement arrangements.
Both legislative bodies must ratify the provisional deal before formal implementation can proceed.
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