European Commission seeks permanent ban on Russian energy imports

The European Commission is pushing for a definitive and irreversible end to the import of Russian energy resources into the European Union, signaling a dramatic shift in the bloc's long-term energy strategy and geopolitical posture.

Speaking to journalists in Copenhagen ahead of an informal meeting of EU energy ministers, Dan Jørgensen, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, emphasized that the proposed ban is not a temporary measure linked solely to the war in Ukraine, but a permanent policy objective, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

"The European Commission's objective is crystal clear: EU countries must stop importing [Russian energy resources] as soon as possible. And even after peace is achieved, in my opinion, we should still not import Russian energy. These are not temporary sanctions—this is forever," Jørgensen stated. "Once this decision is made, Europe will never again buy a single molecule of Russian gas."

Jørgensen’s comments reflect a growing consensus within Brussels that Europe's energy security and strategic autonomy require the full severing of energy ties with Moscow, even in a post-conflict scenario. The goal, he said, is to ensure that Russian hydrocarbons no longer play any role in the EU’s energy mix.

The commissioner underscored the need for urgent action: “Europe must urgently find a solution to the problem of dependency on Russian energy resources.”

The European Commission has already proposed a complete ban on the import of Russian gas in all forms—including liquefied natural gas (LNG). That proposal, submitted several months ago by Jørgensen, is currently under consideration by the European Parliament and EU member states.

The United States, a key partner in Europe's broader energy diversification efforts, has reportedly expressed strong support for the plan. “From the US, we are hearing only one kind of signal on Russian energy in Europe—namely, that they also support us in ending this,” Jørgensen noted.

By Vafa Guliyeva