EU Set to Ban Russian LNG Imports from 2027 Amid Calls for Delay

The EU approved a regulation in January that bans Russian LNG contracts from 1 January 2027 and phases out pipeline gas later that year. The rule follows four years of effort to curb reliance on Russian energy after Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine and closes a loophole that previously allowed EU firms to trade Russian LNG for third-party destinations.

Spain urges delay to EU Russian LNG ban as 2027 deadline nearsSpain calls on EU to postpone ban on Russian gas due to risk of dependence on the US

In May 2026, Russian LNG accounted for 27.8 % of Spain’s gas imports, a 58.5 % increase. EU imports of U.S. LNG rose from 6 % in 2021 to 29 % in 2026, making the US the bloc’s second-largest LNG supplier after Norway. Analysts estimate roughly 15 million metric tons of Russian LNG must be replaced after the 2027 cutoff. Algeria remains Spain’s main pipeline source, and the Algerian-Italian pipeline system can move about 43 billion cubic metres annually.

Bilbao’s Russian LNG rebound tests Europe’s 2027 banSpain calls on EU to postpone ban on Russian gas due to risk of dependence on the USSpain urges delay to EU Russian LNG ban as 2027 deadline nears

EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen said the measure will end Europe’s exposure to “energy blackmail” and cut revenue streams that finance Russia’s war. Spain’s Energy Minister Sara Aagesen Muñoz reiterated Madrid’s commitment to implement the ban on schedule, calling the recent rise in Russian volumes temporary. The European Commission clarified that, from 1 January 2027, EU firms may not buy, sell, market or transport Russian LNG for any destination, closing the previously identified loophole.

Spain urges delay to EU Russian LNG ban as 2027 deadline nears

Ivan Jimenez, head of the Port of Bilbao, warned that an abrupt halt would push the EU toward heavy reliance on U.S. cargoes and reduce supply diversity, urging a phased reduction. Hungary and Slovakia, which opposed the legislation throughout negotiations, have challenged the ban on grounds of national energy security. Importers such as Spain’s Naturgy and France’s TotalEnergies have flagged possible legal and commercial complications following the Commission’s resale restriction.

Spain urges delay to EU Russian LNG ban as 2027 deadline nears

Sources list Russia’s share of Spain’s gas imports as 27.8 % (source 6) and “almost 28 %” (source 5), a minor variance. No detailed data yet on how the EU will allocate the 15 million-tonne replacement.

Bilbao’s Russian LNG rebound tests Europe’s 2027 ban

• “you cannot do that from one day to another,” — Ivan Jimenez, head of the Port of Bilbao

Bilbao’s Russian LNG rebound tests Europe’s 2027 ban

• “It is impossible to do this overnight – he emphasized.” — Ivan Jimenez, head of the Port of Bilbao

Spain calls on EU to postpone ban on Russian gas due to risk of dependence on the US

• “EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen said earlier this year the legislation would end Europe’s vulnerability to “energy blackmail” while cutting revenues that help finance Russia’s war in Ukraine.” while cutting revenues that help finance Russia’s war in Ukraine.” — Dan Jorgensen, EU Energy Commissioner

Spain urges delay to EU Russian LNG ban as 2027 deadline nears

• “energy blackmail” — Dan Jorgensen, EU Energy Commissioner

Spain urges delay to EU Russian LNG ban as 2027 deadline nears

The EU will monitor compliance as the 2027 deadline approaches and will require member states to submit national diversification plans. Legal challenges from Hungary and Slovakia are expected to continue. The bloc is also exploring additional supplies from Qatar, Canada and other producers to fill the anticipated shortfall, while Algeria’s pipeline capacity may be expanded to bolster regional resilience.

Bilbao’s Russian LNG rebound tests Europe’s 2027 ban