Photo: depositphotos.com
The EU plans to ban imports of all Russian gas – both pipeline and LNG – by the end of 2027
The European Commission is preparing a proposal for a complete ban on Russian gas imports by the end of 2027, Bloomberg reports , citing sources with knowledge of the matter. The initiative is expected to be submitted to the European Parliament in June.
This includes both pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG), including existing long-term contracts and spot deliveries, which account for approximately one-third of imports.
“Gas imports from Russia fell to 19% in 2023, down from more than 40% before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine,” Bloomberg notes.
According to the plan, the ban on new agreements and spot contracts should come into force no later than the end of 2025, while a complete rejection of Russian gas should take place by the end of 2027.
The EU is currently preparing infrastructure solutions and alternative routes for LNG imports from the US, Qatar, Canada and Africa. Negotiations on expanding supplies are ongoing, including with the Donald Trump administration in the context of a broader trade dialogue.
This step could be one of the most decisive in Europe’s efforts to get rid of its energy dependence on Moscow and to increase sanctions pressure on Russia.
