The European Parliament is resisting efforts to grant exemptions to landlocked EU member states that would allow them to continue importing Russian energy, even as the bloc aims to eliminate its reliance on Moscow by 2027. Disagreements over potential loopholes in the proposed ban are ongoing, with lawmakers arguing for a firm and complete cessation of Russian fossil fuel imports. These discussions highlight the challenges of achieving energy independence across the diverse EU landscape.
The European Commission initially proposed ending all EU energy dependency on Russia by 2027, but talks with EU governments and the Parliament have revealed a rift in approach. While an informal consensus suggested exemptions for countries like Hungary and Slovakia – states heavily reliant on Russian imports – the Parliament is pushing back against any such provisions. These nations argue that energy supply disruptions could severely impact their economies.
Parliament Challenges EU Plan to Ban Russian Energy
According to EU sources, lawmakers believe any exemptions would undermine the overall goal of reducing Moscow’s revenue and influence. They maintain that allowing continued imports, even temporarily, would create opportunities for Russia to circumvent sanctions. MEPs point to the significant financial flow to Russia from current EU purchases – totaling €210 billion despite a reduction in imports to 12% of the bloc’s total gas supply since August 2025, as detailed in the Commission’s State of the Energy Union report.
Latvian MEP Inese Vaidere of the European People’s Party recently stated that it is “incomprehensible” that EU nations continue to purchase Russian energy after three years of conflict in Ukraine. She emphasized the Parliament’s insistence on a complete ban on Russian gas and oil, including imports via intermediary countries, effective January 1, 2027, with no temporary suspensions.
However, some member states contend that achieving immediate independence is unrealistic, particularly for landlocked nations lacking diverse supply routes. They argue for a more gradual transition, acknowledging the complexities of securing alternative sources.
Alternative Pipelines and Infrastructure
Several lawmakers propose that existing and planned pipeline projects, such as those in Bulgaria and Romania, could provide viable alternatives for countries currently dependent on Russian energy. Romania’s recently completed Tuzla-Podisior pipeline, part of the larger Neptun Deep project, is specifically highlighted as a potential source of natural gas for Hungary and Slovakia. Transgaz estimates the project will allow Bucharest to increase capacity to Hungary significantly by 2029.
The Croatian Janaf pipeline (also known as Adria) is another potential route under discussion. Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen discussed diversifying oil and gas supplies using Janaf with representatives from Hungarian energy firm MOL, as an alternative to Russia’s Druzhba pipeline. However, MOL representatives expressed concerns about Janaf’s current capacity and alleged failures to meet contractual obligations, citing a lack of investment from Croatia.
Energy analysts agree that transitioning away from Russian supplies will require investment and adjustments. Homayoun Falakshahi, a senior energy analyst at Kpler, noted that eliminating the Druzhba pipeline’s supply would disproportionately affect landlocked countries and lead to higher feedstock costs, alongside technical modifications at refineries.
The Hungarian government has voiced strong opposition to the proposed ban, framing it as an infringement on national energy sovereignty. Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Péter Szijjártó criticized the plan as politically motivated and detrimental to energy security, stating, “They call it diversification, but in reality, it cuts one of our vital oil routes.”
Despite these disagreements, EU diplomats remain optimistic that a political agreement can be reached before Christmas. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for Thursday, and participants are reportedly keen to finalize the legislation. The outcome will significantly impact the EU’s energy landscape and its relationship with Russia.
Stakeholders should monitor upcoming negotiations closely, as the details of the final agreement will determine the pace and scope of the EU’s transition away from Russian energy and affect energy security throughout the region.
