The Council of the European Union on Monday approved a decision to ban all imports of Russian natural gas, marking a major milestone in the EU’s roadmap to end its dependence on Russian energy. The move follows years of concerns over Moscow’s use of gas as a “political weapon,” which repeatedly disrupted Europe’s energy markets.
اضافة اعلان
The newly adopted regulation introduces a gradual and legally binding phase-out of Russian gas imports — both via pipelines and liquefied natural gas (LNG) — culminating in a complete ban effective January 1, 2028.
The Council maintained this final deadline, describing the agreement as an ambitious signal of the EU’s commitment to achieving energy independence and security.
Lars Aagaard, Denmark’s Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities, who currently chairs the EU Energy Council, stated:
“An energy-independent Europe is a stronger and safer Europe. We have worked hard over the past years to eliminate Russian oil and gas from Europe, but we are not at the finish line yet.”
According to the decision, imports of Russian gas will be prohibited starting January 1, 2026, while allowing a limited transitional period for contracts signed before June 17, 2025.
Under the agreement:
Short-term contracts signed before that date may continue until June 17, 2026.
Long-term contracts may extend until January 1, 2028.
Existing contracts may be amended only for specific operational purposes, provided such changes do not increase imported volumes, with limited flexibility granted to landlocked member states affected by changes in supply routes.
The regulation also requires all EU member states to submit national plans outlining strategies to diversify gas supplies and manage challenges in transitioning away from Russian energy sources. Exemptions apply to countries that can prove they no longer receive any direct or indirect Russian gas imports.
