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European Commission Targets End of Russian Gas Imports by 2027

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Lucile Brizard
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European Commission Targets End of Russian Gas Imports by 2027
Petroleum and chemical storage tanks in Lavera, France, were seen after the EU’s ban on seaborne imports of Russian fuels, part of increased sanctions against Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s regime, on January 6, 2023. (Source: Getty Images)

The European Commission is set to propose legal measures in June to phase out the EU’s imports of all Russian liquified natural gas (LNG) by the end of 2027, Reuters reported on May 6.

The Commission’s draft proposal aims to ban imports of Russian gas under existing contracts by the end of 2027 and to halt imports under new deals and spot contracts by the end of 2025.

The announcement follows the EU’s pledge to end its reliance on Russian energy following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, despite opposition from countries like Slovakia and Hungary, which rely heavily on Russian gas.

“Since February 2022, we’ve actually spent more money buying fossil fuels from Russia in the EU than we’ve given in aid to Ukraine,” EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen said in a statement. “Obviously, that will not stand,” he added, emphasizing the need for a strategic shift.

The proposal to end Russian gas imports aligns with the EU’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and boost renewable energy. Even if a peace deal with Russia were reached, EU Energy Commissioner Jørgensen warned it would be unwise to return to Russian imports.

While some EU industry leaders support resuming Russian gas supplies, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov argued the move is detrimental to the EU’s competitiveness, favoring more expensive alternatives from the US and other countries.

Russian gas imports to Europe have already dropped significantly, falling from 45% of the market in 2022 to 19% in 2024. This decline is partly due to the EU diversifying its energy sources, including increased LNG imports from the US and Qatar.

The Commission’s proposal includes legal measures to phase out Russian gas under “force majeure,” though experts caution this could expose European buyers to penalties due to “take-or-pay” contracts with Gazprom.

The phase-out plan also calls for a shift to renewable energy and increased LNG imports. The EU imported 32 bcm of Russian pipeline gas and 20 bcm of LNG in 2024, with most of it tied to long-term contracts.

Additionally, the Commission plans to propose measures targeting Russian enriched uranium imports, including a levy or tax. These efforts aim to isolate Russia economically while supporting the EU’s energy transition. The proposal must be approved by the European Parliament and a majority of EU member states before it can be enacted.

In related news, Czechia is no longer dependent on Russian oil for the first time since joining the global oil network over six decades ago, Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced.

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