European Commission presents plan to completely stop imports of gas and oil from Russia by 2027

"Russia has repeatedly attempted to blackmail us by weaponising its energy supplies. We have taken clear steps to turn off the tap and end the era of Russian fossil fuels in Europe for good," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The proposal provides for a gradual phase-out of both pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) originating in Russia or exported directly or indirectly from Russian territory.

It also sets a timeline to end imports of Russian oil by the end of 2027.

According to the proposal, new contracts for the import of Russian gas will be prohibited starting January 1, 2026.

Imports under existing short-term contracts will cease by June 17, 2026, except for gas delivered via pipelines to landlocked countries under long-term agreements — these will be permitted until the end of 2027.

The proposal also includes a ban on signing long-term contracts for the use of LNG terminals by Russian clients or companies controlled by Russia.

EU member states will be required to present clear plans for diversifying their energy supply, including specific milestones and measures to phase out the import of Russian energy resources.

The European Commission emphasized that Europe currently has sufficient infrastructure, a well-integrated gas market, and access to alternative suppliers, making this transition possible without significant impact on the economy or energy security.

The proposed regulation also includes built-in flexibility mechanisms that account for market realities while ensuring legal certainty for companies.

The European Parliament and the EU Council will review the proposal under the ordinary legislative procedure. A qualified majority in the Council is required for its adoption.

EU phases out Russian gas

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the issue of Russian gas supplies has become strategically important for the EU. Russian fuel has been gradually pushed out of the European energy market.

According to Bloomberg, 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 remain dependent on LNG, the volumes of which have risen to record levels. It is noted that the phase-out of Russian gas should not significantly affect prices or the EU’s energy security.

In April, the EU prepared a roadmap to ban imports of Russian gas by the end of 2027.

The roadmap will require proposing a ban in June on new contracts for Russian gas imports and on short-term agreements by the end of this year.

Meanwhile, the European Commission ruled out the possibility of resuming purchases of Russian fuel after the war ends, calling it a "historic mistake" for Europe.