European Parliament backs phased ban on Russian oil, gas imports

The European Parliament’s relevant committee has endorsed a draft proposal supporting a phased and comprehensive ban on the import of oil, gas, and petroleum products from the Russian Federation.

The decision was made public during a broadcast of the European Parliament's committee meeting, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Under the proposal, the European Union would prohibit the signing of any new contracts for Russian gas beginning in 2026. Existing short-term contracts would be honored only until mid-June 2026, while long-term agreements would remain in effect until 2027. Additionally, the draft calls for a complete halt to imports of Russian oil starting in 2026.

The proposed legislation now advances to trilateral negotiations involving the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union, and the European Commission. Following these discussions, the draft will proceed to a formal vote during a plenary session of the European Parliament and require final approval by the Council of the EU.

If enacted, the ban will constitute one of the most significant energy policy shifts undertaken by the EU in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent need to strengthen the bloc’s energy security and political autonomy.

By Vafa Guliyeva