EU to propose banning imports of Russian gas by 2027
Make us a preferred source
Make us a preferred source on Google
The news: The European Union will propose measures to ban the import of Russian gas to the bloc by the end of 2027, according to Bloomberg, as the union moves forward with efforts to cut ties with Russia.
The numbers: Russia was once the EU’s biggest energy supplier, but gas flows into Europe dropped sharply after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Russia remains a substantial supplier to the Union, with the bloc having purchased a total of €23 billion ($40.2 billion) in Russian energy in 2024. Imports from Russia accounted for 19% of the 27-nation bloc’s total gas purchases in 2024.
The context: Sources told the masthead that in plans to be unveiled in Strasbourg on Tuesday, the union will in June propose a ban on all gas purchases under new deals with Russia as well as existing spot contracts, to take effect before the end of the year.
The Union’s executive branch, the European Commission, is expected to adopt measures ending the remaining imports of Russian pipeline and LNG gas involved in long-term contracts, however these will require a longer transition period lasting until end-2027.
Last month Politico reported that the proposal is part of Brussels’ broader strategy to eliminate Russian imports, and could include legislation giving companies the power to declare force majeure to break existing contracts without facing financial penalties. The proposal and roadmap are also expected to address nuclear fuel imports from Russia.
