EU to propose measures to phase out Russian gas imports by 2027

The European Commission announced that it will propose legal measures next month to phase out all imports of Russian gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) by the end of 2027.

This move is part of the European Union’s ongoing effort to sever its long-standing energy ties with Russia following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

The Commission plans to present a legal proposal in June that will include a ban on remaining Russian gas and LNG imports under existing contracts by the end of 2027. Additionally, the EU will propose a ban on Russian gas imports under new contracts and existing spot agreements by the end of 2025.

"It is now time for Europe to completely cut off its energy ties with an unreliable supplier. And energy that comes to our continent should not pay for a war of aggression against Ukraine," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a statement.

As of now, around 19 per cent of Europe’s gas imports still come from Russia, a sharp decline from nearly 45 per cent before 2022. The EU’s push to end Russian energy imports has intensified, with some European executives signaling support for resuming Russian gas imports if a peace deal with Ukraine were reached. However, the EU is committed to reducing its dependency on Russian energy, and will look to alternatives like US LNG and renewable energy.

The Commission did not specify which legal options it would use to allow European companies to break their existing contracts with Russian gas suppliers. Any new legislative proposals would require approval from both the European Parliament and a reinforced majority of EU member states.

EU countries, including Slovakia and Hungary, which still rely heavily on Russian gas, will be required to develop national plans to phase out these imports. Despite opposition from some member states, the Commission’s roadmap aims to minimize any potential price impacts by diversifying the EU’s energy sources.

Along with gas, the Commission will also propose measures targeting Russian enriched uranium.

By Vafa Guliyeva