The European Union will completely phase out imports of Russian gas by November 1, 2027. The Council of the European Union, meeting at the level of energy ministers, confirmed the decision in Brussels on Monday, January 26 - despite opposition from Hungary and Slovakia.
The ban—covering both pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia - was adopted because it required only a qualified majority of member states. Budapest and Bratislava, which cite dependence on Russian energy supplies and maintain close ties with Moscow, voted against, Reuters reported. Hungary’s government said it will challenge the decision in the European Union’s Court of Justice in Luxembourg.
LNG imports must end by the end of 2026, and pipeline deliveries by September 30, 2027. The deadline can be extended to November 1, 2027, if EU countries face difficulties filling gas storage. The measure also bars new gas contracts with Russia, taking effect six weeks after the new law enters into force.
For Germany, the document means a definitive end to any potential use of the Nord Stream pipelines.
In 2024, roughly 19% of all gas supplies to the EU came from Russia. Despite a near-total embargo on Russian oil and a significant reduction in gas purchases amid Russia’s war against Ukraine, the EU still paid about €1.5 billion a month into Russia’s budget in 2024, AFP noted.
