EU’s plan to end Russian gas imports by 2027 faces challenges, says energy commissioner

The European Commission is set to unveil its long-awaited plan to eliminate gas imports from Russia by 2027, marking a major shift in the EU’s energy landscape.

European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen, acknowledged in an interview with The Financial Times that the task of weaning the EU off Russian fossil fuels is “by far the most important and difficult thing I’ve been involved with."

The comprehensive strategy, due to be presented on May 6, outlines how the European Union will gradually phase out its reliance on Russian energy, which previously accounted for two-fifths of the EU’s gas imports and approximately one-third of its oil. The plan is part of the EU’s broader goal to reduce its dependence on Russian energy sources, a necessity that has become more urgent following the geopolitical tensions and the war in Ukraine.

Jørgensen described the process of shifting from Russian supplies to alternative sources, particularly American liquefied natural gas (LNG), as a “tricky political balancing act.” He emphasized the complexity of reconciling the interests of different EU member states, while also taking into account the preferences of the United States, which has emerged as a key supplier of LNG.

“This is the first time that the EU takes a step this significant toward another country,” Jørgensen noted. “We moved from being afraid that [Russian President Vladimir] Putin would stop the gas to working on stopping it ourselves. And to some extent, you can say that we’ve been extremely successful.” He added that the EU’s ability to swiftly pivot from one major energy supplier to another is a rare feat that few countries could achieve.

Despite facing pressure from member states to finalize the plan from the outset of his tenure, Jørgensen explained that the complexities of the issue had led to delays. Originally slated for release in March, the plan had to undergo further refinement before it could be presented.

“The issue is extremely complicated, but we have found new solutions that will allow us to confidently say this will happen,” he asserted. The solutions outlined in the new plan aim not only to phase out Russian gas but also to bolster energy security across the EU.

The shift away from Russian gas has been framed by many EU officials as a win-win situation. By increasing imports of US LNG, the EU hopes to not only reduce its dependence on Russia but also avoid potential trade tensions with the United States. As the EU works towards implementing this ambitious plan, the full ramifications for the bloc's energy market and geopolitical standing remain to be seen.

By Khagan Isayev