EU Russian gas phase-out plan gains approval as bloc targets full energy break from Moscow by 2027 to curb reliance and strengthen independence
EU Russian gas phase-out plans moved a step closer to reality on Monday as energy ministers agreed to end remaining imports of Russian gas by 2027, signalling a decisive shift in the bloc’s energy policy following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
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Meeting in Luxembourg, ministers backed a European Commission proposal to eliminate both pipeline and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Russia, pending approval from the European Parliament.
The plan aims to finally sever Europe’s long-standing energy ties with Russia, which have been politically and economically fraught since the war began in 2022.
Lars Aagaard, Denmark’s energy minister and current holder of the EU’s rotating presidency, described the move as “crucial” to ensuring the continent’s energy independence.
“Although we’ve worked hard to get Russian gas and oil out of Europe, we’re not there yet,” Aagaard said, underscoring the bloc’s urgent need to complete the transition.
As part of the package, new contracts for Russian gas will be banned from 1 January 2026.
Existing short-term deals may continue until June 17, 2027, while long-term agreements will be allowed until January 1, 2028, offering a staggered path for nations still reliant on Moscow’s supply.
While most EU countries supported the measure, Hungary and Slovakia opposed it, citing continued dependence on Russian pipeline gas due to geographic limitations. Hungary’s Foreign Minister, Peter Szijjarto, warned the regulation “kills our secure supply of energy.”
Despite these objections, the regulation passed as it required only a qualified majority, not unanimous consent—unlike sanctions, which continue to face obstacles due to internal divisions.
The EU Russian gas phase-out is also part of a broader strategy that includes reducing LNG imports by January 2027.
The push to eliminate these flows, some of which have increased despite falling pipeline deliveries, forms part of efforts to cut off revenue to Russia’s war effort.
According to the European Commission, Russian gas still makes up 13% of EU gas imports, translating to an estimated €15 billion annually—a figure Brussels wants to bring down to zero.
The European Parliament is expected to ratify the measure in the coming weeks, further cementing Europe’s commitment to energy autonomy and reducing vulnerability to geopolitical risks.
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This bold move marks a historic turning point in the EU’s post-war energy narrative, reinforcing its determination to forge a cleaner, more resilient and politically secure future.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
