The European Commission has outlined a plan to phase out the import of natural gas from Russia by 2028, with the goal of reducing the EU’s dependence on Russian fossil fuels and mitigating the associated market and economic security risks.
According to the plan, the import of gas from Russia will be gradually reduced by the end of 2027, with new contracts for gas imports from Russia set to be banned from January 1, 2026. The Commission has also proposed to prohibit long-term contracts for liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal services for customers from Russia or those controlled by Russian companies, effective from 2028.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Russia has repeatedly tried to use its energy supply as a tool of coercion and the EU has taken clear steps to turn off the tap and bring an end to the era of Russian fossil fuels in Europe.
The EU Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen, emphasized that the import of gas from Russia poses a security threat to Europe and the proposed ban will increase the EU’s energy independence and reduce the revenue that Putin uses to finance his war.
The Commission has also called on EU member states to submit plans for diversifying their energy supplies, outlining measures and milestones for the gradual reduction of Russian gas and oil imports.
The Commission will closely monitor the progress and impact of the phase-out of Russian gas and oil imports, in collaboration with the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER). Companies holding gas supply contracts for Russian gas will be required to provide the Commission with information and importers of Russian gas will need to submit relevant information to customs authorities confirming the origin of the gas from Russia to the EU.
The plan, which still requires the approval of the European Parliament and the Council, aims to ensure the EU’s energy security and reduce its dependence on Russian fossil fuels.