EU aims to end Russian gas imports by end of 2027, Reuters reveals roadmap details
Illustrative photo: The EU wants to block Russian gas imports by 2027 (Getty Images)
The European Union plans to ban the import of Russian gas by the end of 2027. The "roadmap" is set to be published today by the European Commission, Reuters reports.
According to EU officials, the plan to be announced today includes:
- a ban on new agreements for the import of Russian gas by the end of this year;
- the gradual termination of existing contracts with Moscow by the end of 2027.
According to unnamed officials, the "roadmap" will also include a commitment to make a legal proposal to ban Russian gas imports and short-term deals as early as June, with the aim of ending them by the end of this year.
Ban on Russian gas
Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the issue of Russian gas supply has become politically sensitive and strategically important for the EU. Russian gas has been gradually pushed out of the European energy market, and new agreements with Moscow have come to be seen as unacceptable.
As Bloomberg previously reported, after the war began, EU countries reduced their purchases of Russian gas from over 40% to about 19% of total imports. At the same time, they have remained dependent on liquefied natural gas, the volume of which has increased to a record level. The reports also indicate that giving up Russian gas should not significantly impact prices and the EU's energy security.
