Brussels: The 27 member states of the European Union have formally adopted legislation to phase out imports of Russian pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG), marking a decisive step toward reducing the bloc’s dependence on Russian energy supplies.
According to a statement issued by the EU Council on Monday, the regulation introduces a structured timeline to end Russian gas imports while ensuring market stability and energy security across member states. The move follows months of negotiations aimed at balancing geopolitical concerns with supply reliability.
Under the regulation, the import of Russian gas into the EU will be prohibited following a transition period. The ban will begin six weeks after the law enters into force, with existing contracts allowed limited time to wind down. A complete ban on LNG imports from Russia will take effect from the beginning of 2027, while pipeline gas imports will be fully phased out by autumn 2027.
EU officials said the gradual approach is intended to minimise disruption to energy markets and avoid sharp price volatility during the transition.
Before authorising gas imports, EU countries will now be required to verify the country of origin of the gas, strengthening oversight and enforcement. Non-compliance with the new rules could result in penalties of at least €2.5 million for individuals and a minimum of €40 million for companies. Fines may also reach 3.5 per cent of a company’s global annual turnover or up to 300 per cent of the estimated transaction value.
Diversification and emergency safeguards
The regulation places strong emphasis on supply diversification. By March 1, 2026, member states must submit national plans outlining how they will replace remaining Russian gas supplies and address potential risks. Energy companies will also be required to disclose any existing contracts linked to Russian gas.
Countries that continue to import Russian oil must submit separate diversification strategies, as the European Commission prepares further legislation to phase out Russian oil imports entirely by the end of 2027.
The law includes emergency provisions allowing the European Commission to temporarily suspend the ban for up to four weeks if energy security is seriously threatened in one or more member states.
Cyprus Energy Minister Michael Damianos said the decision would strengthen the EU’s energy market and move the bloc closer to an autonomous Energy Union. “This is about resilience, diversification, and long-term stability,” he said.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola confirmed the adoption of the law in a post on X, stating that Europe was “securing control of our energy supply and strengthening our autonomy.”
Current dependence and strategic shift
The decision comes as the European Union remains the world’s largest LNG importer. In 2024, the bloc imported more than 100 billion cubic metres of LNG, with France, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy and Belgium accounting for the largest shares.
While Russian oil imports into the EU have fallen sharply to below three per cent in 2025 due to existing sanctions, Russian gas still represents an estimated 13 per cent of EU gas imports, valued at more than €15 billion annually.
EU officials warned that continued reliance on Russian gas poses significant risks to trade stability and energy security, underscoring the urgency behind the new legislation.
