European Union countries have formally approved a ban on Russian gas imports, with the law set to take full effect by late 2027. The move makes the EU’s long-standing pledge to reduce reliance on Moscow legally binding, nearly four years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The legislation was approved during a Brussels meeting of EU energy ministers, though Slovakia and Hungary opposed the ban, and Bulgaria abstained. Hungary has said it will challenge the law at the European Court of Justice.
The ban requires EU countries to stop importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia by the end of 2026 and pipeline gas by 30 September 2027. Deadlines may be extended to 1 November 2027 for countries needing more time to fill gas storage ahead of winter.
Also Read:Â EU Probes Google Over AI Use of Online Content
Before 2022, Russia supplied over 40% of EU gas, a share that fell to roughly 13% in 2025. Despite the reduction, some nations continue to purchase Russian energy, including oil, pipeline gas, and LNG, raising concerns about indirectly funding Moscow’s war efforts.
The law prohibits new Russian gas contracts and requires existing agreements to be terminated. Short-term contracts signed before 17 June 2025 must end by 25 April 2026 for LNG and 17 June 2026 for pipeline gas. Long-term contracts must comply with final deadlines, or companies may face penalties of up to 3.5% of global annual turnover.
The European Commission has indicated it will propose further legislation to phase out Russian pipeline oil and reduce dependency on Russian nuclear fuel.
