European Union targets full phase-out of Russian gas by end of 2027

The European Union is preparing to unveil a comprehensive proposal to ban all Russian gas imports by the end of 2027, marking a decisive move to end its energy dependency on Moscow in the aftermath of the Ukraine invasion.

The proposal, expected to be announced in June, represents one of the most significant efforts yet by the 27-nation bloc to sever ties with its former top energy supplier, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Despite initial reductions in Russian gas imports following the onset of the war, the EU has struggled to completely eliminate them, particularly in the face of rising shipments of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG).

According to sources familiar with the matter, the European Commission's plan includes banning all gas imports from Russia under newly signed deals, as well as existing spot contracts, by the end of 2025. These measures would apply to approximately a third of current Russian gas imports. The broader prohibition, which targets long-term agreements for both pipeline and LNG supplies, is scheduled to come into force by the end of 2027.

Russian gas imports accounted for around 19 per cent of the EU’s total gas purchases last year, a sharp drop from the more than 40 per cent share held before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. However, curbing Russian LNG has proven difficult due to the nature of long-term contracts, which typically include take-or-pay clauses that legally bind European buyers to fulfill payment obligations regardless of actual delivery.

As part of the strategy, the EU is banking on increased LNG imports from alternative suppliers such as the United States, Qatar, Canada, and African nations. Negotiations with the US are reportedly ongoing and are expected to be part of broader trade discussions with the Trump administration.

The European Commission is expected to present the draft proposal during a session in Strasbourg on May 6. While the plan may still undergo revisions before its formal presentation, sources say it is unlikely to face major structural changes.

Analysts close to the matter believe that the long-term impact on energy prices and security will be limited, citing a substantial influx of global LNG capacity in the coming years. This expanded supply is expected to mitigate the economic effects of cutting Russian gas out of the European market.

If adopted, the EU’s plan would represent a landmark shift in energy policy, firmly aligning the bloc’s energy strategy with its geopolitical stance against Russian aggression.

By Vafa Guliyeva