The European Union has given final approval to ban Russian gas imports, enforcing a legally binding plan to cut ties with Moscow by the end of 2027. Ministers approved the law during a meeting in Brussels, despite opposition from Hungary and Slovakia, with Bulgaria abstaining from the vote.
Hungary has announced plans to challenge the ban at the European Court of Justice, citing its heavy reliance on Russian energy and ongoing economic ties with Moscow. The law, however, passed with a reinforced majority, allowing the EU to move forward with its phase-out strategy.
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Under the agreement, Russian liquefied natural gas will be halted by the end of 2026, while pipeline gas imports must cease by September 30, 2027. The deadline may be extended to November 1, 2027, if countries struggle to fill storage caverns with non-Russian gas ahead of winter.
Before Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Moscow supplied over 40 percent of the EU’s gas, but that share fell to about 13 percent by 2025. Despite the reduction, several EU countries continue purchasing Russian oil, LNG, and pipeline gas, creating tension between energy needs and political objectives.
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The new law prohibits companies from signing any new Russian gas deals and requires termination of existing contracts. Short-term agreements signed before June 17, 2025, will end in 2026, while long-term contracts must be phased out by the final deadlines, with potential penalties up to 3.5 percent of global turnover.
Looking ahead, the European Commission plans to propose further legislation to phase out Russian pipeline oil and reduce dependence on Russian nuclear fuel. Analysts say these measures reflect the EU’s long-term strategy to strengthen energy independence and limit funding to Russia’s wartime economy.