EU Council approves ban on transit of Russian gas through EU from 2026 Details

The Council of the European Union has approved a ban on the transit of Russian gas through EU territory to third countries starting January 1, 2026, the Council said in a statement. 

A two-year transition period will apply to existing gas contracts. Short-term contracts signed before June 17, 2025, may remain valid until June 17, 2026, while long-term ones can continue until January 1, 2028, Caliber.Az reports.

Amendments to existing contracts will be allowed only for operational reasons and provided they do not increase import volumes. Exceptions will be made for landlocked countries affected by supply route changes.

Starting next year, EU member states will also be required to verify the origin of imported gas.

The Council has simplified documentation requirements for non-Russian gas imports, allowing companies to submit the necessary information to authorities before the gas enters EU customs territory. However, imports of Russian gas during the transition period will require additional data, including contract date, duration, volume, and any modifications.

In all cases, prior authorisation will be required for gas imports:

• For Russian gas and supplies under transitional arrangements — data must be submitted at least one month before arrival;

• For non-Russian gas — at least five days before;

• For blended LNG, importers must certify the shares of Russian and non-Russian gas, with only the non-Russian portion permitted to enter the EU.

By Khagan Isayev