European Union Agrees to End Russian Gas Imports by 2027

On December 3, 2025, the European Union (EU) reached a provisional agreement to permanently halt all imports of Russian gas, marking a significant step towards energy independence from Moscow. The deal, announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, aims to eliminate the EU's reliance on Russian fossil fuels, which has been a critical issue since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The agreement stipulates that liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports will cease by December 31, 2026, while pipeline gas imports will be phased out by September 30, 2027, with a potential extension to October 31, 2027, for member states facing storage challenges.

RTTNewsEU agrees to permanently stop Russian gas imports and phase out Russian oilEU moves to permanently end Russian gas importsEU finalizes deal to ban Russian gas imports and phase out Russian oil by late 2027Al Jazeera (website)

The agreement introduces a legally binding ban on both LNG and pipeline gas imports from Russia. For short-term contracts signed before June 17, 2025, the ban will take effect on April 25, 2026, for LNG and June 17, 2026, for pipeline gas. Long-term contracts for LNG will be prohibited starting January 1, 2027, and for pipeline gas, the cutoff is set for September 30, 2027, contingent on member states meeting gas storage targets. The regulation also allows for amendments to existing contracts only for narrowly defined operational purposes, ensuring that volumes or prices do not increase.

EU finalizes deal to ban Russian gas imports and phase out Russian oil by late 2027Europe agrees to phase out Russian LNG from end of 2026New Rules to Eliminate Russian Gas from Europe by 2027EU moves to permanently end Russian gas importsRTTNews

The agreement is part of the EU's broader REPowerEU strategy, initiated in May 2022, aimed at reducing dependence on Russian energy. Despite the significant reduction in Russian gas imports—from 45% of the EU's total gas supply in 2021 to approximately 19% in 2024—some member states, particularly Hungary and Slovakia, have expressed opposition to the ban. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated that Hungary would challenge the decision in the European Court of Justice, citing the impossibility of implementing the ban. Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico indicated that his country also has legal grounds to consider a lawsuit.

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Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of the agreement, stating, "Today, we enter the era of Europe’s full energy independence from Russia." She highlighted the drastic reduction in payments to Russia for fossil fuels, which decreased from €12 billion per month at the beginning of the war to €1.5 billion currently. Danish Climate Minister Lars Aagaard called the agreement a "big win" for Europe, reinforcing the commitment to energy security and independence.

'Dawn of new era' as EU to end Russian gas imports by late 2027

Critics of the agreement, including officials from Hungary and Slovakia, argue that the ban could jeopardize their energy security and economic stability. They have historically relied on Russian energy supplies and have opposed sanctions against Moscow. Additionally, Russian officials have condemned the agreement, predicting it will lead to higher energy costs for Europe and undermine its industrial competitiveness.

Al Jazeera (website)

The provisional agreement requires final approval from the European Parliament and the European Council before it can be formally adopted. Member states must submit national diversification plans by March 1, 2026, outlining strategies to reduce reliance on Russian energy. The European Commission is also expected to propose legislation to phase out remaining Russian oil imports by the end of 2027.

EU Bans Russian Gas by 2027, Yet Will Send Moscow €35-40 Billion Before DeadlineEU moves to permanently end Russian gas importsRTTNewsAl Jazeera (website)EU agrees to permanently stop Russian gas imports and phase out Russian oil

• “Today, we are stopping these imports permanently. By depleting Putin’s war chest, we stand in solidarity with Ukraine and set our sights on new energy partnerships and opportunities for the sector” — Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

EU agrees to permanently stop Russian gas imports and phase out Russian oil

• “We’ve chosen energy security and independence for Europe. No more blackmail. No more market manipulation by Putin.” — Dan Jørgensen, EU Energy Commissioner

EU Bans Russian Gas by 2027, Yet Will Send Moscow €35-40 Billion Before Deadline

• “This is a big win for us and for all of Europe.” — Lars Aagaard, Danish Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities

New Rules to Eliminate Russian Gas from Europe by 2027

The agreement represents a pivotal moment in the EU's energy policy, aiming to secure long-term energy independence while navigating the complexities of member state dependencies on Russian supplies.

Al Jazeera (website)