EU Council approves full ban on Russian gas imports

The Council of the European Union has formally approved a complete ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) and pipeline gas into EU member states.

Under the Council’s decision, a full ban on Russian LNG imports will take effect on January 1, 2027, with Russian pipeline gas imports to be prohibited as of September 30, 2027, Caliber.Az reports.

According to the regulation, the measures are designed to reduce potential disruptions to prices and energy markets. 

Prior to authorising gas imports into the EU, member states must verify where the gas was produced.

By March 1, 2026, EU countries must draw up national plans aimed at diversifying gas supplies and identifying possible difficulties in replacing Russian gas.

As part of this process, companies will be obliged to inform national authorities and the European Commission of any remaining contracts involving Russian gas, while EU states that continue to import Russian oil will also be required to submit diversification strategies.

Following Russia’s war against Ukraine and the use of energy supplies as a political weapon, EU leaders agreed in the March 2022 Versailles Declaration to eliminate dependence on Russian fossil fuels as quickly as possible.

However, while oil imports fell to below 3% by 2025 due to the existing sanctions regime, Russian gas is still estimated to account for around 13% of EU imports in 2025, with an annual value exceeding €15 billion, leaving the bloc exposed to significant trade and energy security risks.

By Jeyhun Aghazada