The European Union has reached a provisional agreement to ban Russian gas imports, a significant step towards energy independence from Moscow. The ban, slated to take effect by the end of 2026 and mid-2027, will encompass both pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG), though exemptions are included for Hungary and Slovakia under specific supply disruption scenarios. This move aims to diminish Russia’s revenue stream from energy sales, a key source of funding for its war in Ukraine.
EU co-legislators finalized the deal on Tuesday evening, establishing a phased approach. Short-term LNG contracts signed before June 17, 2025, will be prohibited from April 25, 2026, while pipeline gas under such contracts will face a ban from June 17, 2026. Longer-term LNG contracts can continue until January 1, 2027, aligning with the 19th sanctions package. Pipeline gas contracts will be fully prohibited by September 30, 2027, potentially extended to November 1, 2027, depending on gas storage levels across member states.
The Push for European Energy Independence from Russian Gas
Severing ties with Russian energy has been a top priority for EU member states, particularly since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The invasion caused significant volatility in energy markets across the EU, prompting a concerted effort to diversify supply sources and reduce reliance on Russia. According to EU data, the bloc’s dependence on Russian gas has already fallen dramatically, from 45% before the invasion to 13% in the first half of 2025.
Despite this substantial reduction, Russian gas imports still amounted to €10 billion, with Belgium, France, and Spain continuing to receive LNG via transshipment. This remaining dependence underscores the need for a complete ban, a goal championed by the European Commission. The Commission proposed a full ban on Russian energy imports as a key component of its strategy to counter Russian aggression and bolster European security.
The agreement wasn’t without its challenges. While most EU nations supported the ban, landlocked countries voiced concerns about potential supply shortages and increased energy costs. They argued that being unable to easily access alternative gas sources would put them at a competitive disadvantage.
Addressing Concerns and Securing Supply
The European Parliament initially resisted exemptions for landlocked countries, but eventually conceded to the Council, recognizing the practical difficulties faced by these nations. A compromise was reached to include an emergency clause triggered by low gas storage levels. This clause allows the European Commission to temporarily suspend the ban for a member state if it can demonstrate less than 90% of its gas reserves by November 1st in any given year, as per the bloc’s gas security of supply law.
However, EU officials express confidence in the sustainability of the ban. One diplomat noted to Euronews that no EU country has declared a gas emergency even during previous energy crises. Another diplomat suggested the suspension clause, while stricter than ideal, provides a necessary safety net.
Hungary and Slovakia, however, are already preparing to challenge the legality of the law, viewing it as an overreach of EU authority. Hungarian Foreign Affairs Minister Péter Szijjártó labeled the law a “diktat” and a “fraud,” asserting it violates EU treaties. Both countries have historically maintained closer ties with Moscow than many other EU members.
EU countries are now mandated to formulate national plans detailing how they will end their reliance on Russian natural gas and oil by March 1, 2026. The new legislation also prohibits imports via the Turkstream pipeline, with a caveat allowing gas proven to have originated outside of Russia or Belarus, even if transported through those countries.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the agreement as marking “the era of Europe’s full energy independence from Russia”. Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen emphasized a firm commitment to never returning to a position of dependence on Russian energy, including avoiding “market manipulation” and “blackmail”.
Looking ahead, energy ministers will vote on the agreed text on December 15th, with a plenary vote in the Parliament expected the same week. The implementation of these plans will be closely watched, particularly in the context of global energy market dynamics and potential geopolitical shifts. Reuters provides further details on the agreement.
