The EU will ban Russian pipeline gas and LNG by 2027, with limited emergency exceptions for Hungary and Slovakia.
Short-term LNG contracts signed before June 2025 will end on 25 April 2026, while pipeline gas contracts end on 17 June 2026.
Long-term LNG deals continue until 1 January 2027, and long-term pipeline imports stop on 30 September 2027, possibly delayed to 1 November.
The EU cut dependence on Russian gas from 45% pre-invasion to 13% in early 2025, but imports still total €10 billion.
Belgium, France, and Spain continue to receive Russian LNG via transshipment despite the reduction.
Landlocked Nations Push Back
Most EU countries support the ban, citing its impact on weakening Moscow’s war funding.
Hungary and Slovakia worry about supply security and higher energy costs, and they plan to challenge the law.
Parliament initially opposed exemptions but conceded to maintain the agreement.
The EU added a suspension clause that the Commission can activate if a member state has under 90% gas storage by November 1.
Member states must draft national plans by 1 March 2026 to stop Russian gas and oil imports.
Leaders Announce Energy Independence
The law also blocks Turkstream imports unless companies prove the gas only transited Russia or Belarus.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the agreement the start of Europe’s full energy independence from Russia.
Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen pledged never to return to dependence, price volatility, or Russian market manipulation.
Parliament negotiator Thomas Pellerin-Carlin said the law protects European jobs and prevents Russian interference in energy markets.
Ministers will vote on the law on 15 December, with Parliament expected to approve it the same week.
