FT: Baltic states urge EU to revive Russian oil ban plans

The Baltic states have called on the European Union to move forward with delayed plans to ban imports of Russian oil, arguing that concerns over an energy supply crisis linked to the conflict involving Iran have eased.

During a meeting of EU energy ministers on June 26, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania urged the European Commission to present proposals to phase out remaining Russian oil imports, according to people familiar with the discussions, the Financial Times reports. 

The proposal had been expected earlier this year but was delayed after the conflict in the Gulf region and the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz raised fears of a global energy supply disruption.

The renewed push comes as the gradual reopening of the strategic waterway following a ceasefire extension between the United States and Iran has helped stabilise energy markets. Around one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments normally pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Baltic states argued that Russian energy exports continue to help finance Moscow's war in Ukraine and said the EU should accelerate efforts to eliminate remaining dependence on Russian fossil fuels.

Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen did not respond to the comments during the closed-door meeting, according to participants. A European Commission spokesperson declined to comment but reiterated that the Commission remains committed to presenting the proposal.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the EU has significantly reduced its reliance on Russian energy. According to European Commission data, Russian oil accounted for about 2% of EU oil imports in 2025, down from 27% at the beginning of 2022, although the bloc still imported 9.7 million tonnes of Russian crude last year.

The EU has already agreed to phase out Russian gas imports by autumn 2027, but plans for a full ban on Russian oil imports have yet to be formally presented. The proposal was originally expected in April but was removed from the Commission's agenda amid concerns over potential energy market disruptions.

By Sabina Mammadli