The European Union has approved legislation that will progressively eliminate Russian gas imports and reduce Moscow’s ability to use energy supplies as a source of political and economic pressure. Under the new rules, Russian liquefied natural gas purchased through the spot market will be prohibited once the regulation enters into force in early 2026. Imports of Russian gas through pipelines will then be phased out, with a final deadline of 30 September 2027. During negotiations between the European Parliament and the Council, lawmakers succeeded in bringing forward the termination dates for several types of existing contracts. EU member states will also be responsible for introducing penalties against companies that fail to comply with the restrictions.

The legislation includes measures intended to prevent Russian gas from reaching the European market indirectly. Importers will have to submit more extensive evidence to customs authorities confirming the country in which their gas was produced before it can be imported into the EU or placed in storage. Lawmakers also strengthened the conditions governing any temporary suspension of the ban during an energy-security emergency, seeking to ensure that exceptions remain limited. Attention is now turning to Russian oil. During negotiations, members of the European Parliament obtained a commitment from the European Commission to introduce separate legislation in early 2026 aimed at ending imports of Russian oil and petroleum products. The planned restrictions are intended to take effect as soon as possible and no later than the end of 2027.

The initiative reflects the EU’s broader effort to respond to Russia’s longstanding use of energy dependence as leverage over European countries. This vulnerability became particularly visible around Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, when supply disruptions, reduced gas-storage levels and interruptions to pipeline deliveries contributed to a severe European energy crisis. At the height of the disruption, energy prices rose to several times their pre-crisis levels. By permanently removing Russian gas from its market and preparing similar restrictions on oil, the EU aims to strengthen long-term energy security while preventing Russia from again exploiting fossil-fuel exports to influence European policy. The European Parliament approved the legislation by 500 votes to 120, with 32 abstentions. The measure must now receive formal approval from the Council before publication in the EU’s Official Journal and entry into force.

EU to phase out imports of Russian gas | News | European Parliament