Baltic Nations Urge EU to Speed Up Ban on Russian Oil

At the EU energy ministers’ meeting on 23 June 2026, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania urged the European Commission to speed up a legislative package that would end all Russian crude imports. They note that the remaining 2 % share—about 9.7 million tons—still funds Moscow’s war and that the earlier suspension, linked to the Iran-Israel conflict, should be lifted.

Baltic States Urge EU to Accelerate Russian Oil Ban

Commission data show Russian oil fell from 27 % of EU imports in early 2022 to 2 % in 2025 (?9.7 Mt). The EU has already set a timetable to phase out Russian gas by autumn 2027, but a full oil embargo remains pending. The ban proposal, due on 15 April 2026, was removed from the agenda in March after the Strait of Hormuz closure raised supply-shortage concerns.

Latvia demands that the EU quickly ban Russian oil purchases

The Commission says it is “actively developing” a proposal to stop Russian oil imports. Dan Jørgensen warned that Middle-East tensions make a summer shortage of aviation fuel “more realistic.” Ukraine’s Vlasyuk said the war is financed by depleting domestic resources. Kremlin spokesman Peskov replied that macro-economic stability is “absolutely secured.” Poland’s Wrochna stressed the need for a rapid phase-out while noting price and supply concerns.

Baltic countries urge EU to accelerate abandonment of Russian oil imports - FT

Hungary and Slovakia, still dependent on Russian oil, have signalled resistance, warning that a sudden ban could raise energy prices and hurt competitiveness. Other countries share similar concerns about supply disruptions.

Latvia demands that the EU quickly ban Russian oil purchases

Sources differ on why the ban stalled: some cite the Iran-Israel war and the temporary Hormuz closure, others note the proposal’s removal from the agenda in March without a clear replacement. Dan Jørgensen gave no public comment.

Latvia demands that the EU quickly ban Russian oil purchases

• “effectively reached a standstill.” — Vladyslav Vlasyuk, Ukraine’s sanctions representative

Baltic States Urge EU to Accelerate Russian Oil Ban

• “The stability of the Russian economy is secured, macroeconomic stability is absolutely secured, and this is not a matter of doubt for anyone,” — Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson

Baltic States Urge EU to Accelerate Russian Oil Ban

• “EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen stated after the meeting that the situation in the Middle East makes the scenario of avoiding a shortage of aviation fuel and other petroleum products in Europe this summer more realistic.” — Dan Jørgensen, EU Energy Commissioner

Baltic countries urge EU to accelerate abandonment of Russian oil imports - FT

EU leaders extended sectoral sanctions against Russia for a full year on 19 June 2026, signalling a more predictable framework. The Baltic states expect a concrete oil-ban proposal before the end of 2026, after which the EU must address objections from Hungary, Slovakia and other price-sensitive members.

Baltic States Urge EU to Accelerate Russian Oil Ban