The European Commission has proposed a gradual phase-out of Russian gas and oil imports into the EU by the end of 2027.
The legislative proposal follows last month’s REPowerEU road map, paving the way to ensure the EU's full energy independence from Russia.
This decision is part of the EU strategy to eliminate vulnerabilities associated with dependence on Russian fossil fuels, thereby increasing its competitiveness.
European Commission president Ursulavon der Leyen said: "Russia has repeatedly attempted to blackmail us by weaponising its energy supplies. We have taken clear steps to turn off the tap and end the era of Russian fossil fuels in Europe for good.”
The proposal suggests that eliminating Russian gas imports will not significantly impact the economy or jeopardise the security of supply due to alternative global suppliers, a robust interconnected gas market within the union, and sufficient EU import infrastructure.
The phase-out will substantially contribute to the objectives of the Competitiveness Compass, the Clean Industrial Deal and the Affordable Energy Action Plan.
These initiatives emphasise the economic benefits of a cleaner, independent energy system and support Europe's decarbonisation goals.
The proposed regulation outlines a stepwise discontinuation of pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) originating from or indirectly exported by Russia.
It also includes measures to ensure a complete cessation of Russian oil imports by the end of 2027.
Under the proposed ban, new contracts for Russian gas imports will be prohibited, starting 1 January 2026.
Existing short-term contracts must end by 17 June 2026, with certain exceptions for land-locked countries reliant on pipeline gas linked to long-term contracts, which are permitted until the end of 2027.
All imports under long-term contracts are set to cease by the end of 2027.
Additionally, long-term contracts for LNG terminal services involving Russian customers or entities will be banned, freeing up terminal capacity for alternative suppliers and bolstering the resilience of energy markets.
