EU Sets Final Deadline to Terminate All Russian Gas Imports by 2027

By Ahmad El-Assasy

In a historic move to sever energy ties with Moscow, the 27 member states of the European Union have officially adopted a regulation to phase out all Russian gas imports. The landmark decision, finalized during an EU energy ministers' meeting in Brussels on Monday, targets both Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and pipeline supplies.

A Phased Exit Strategy The new legislation outlines a strict timeline for the total decoupling from Russian energy. According to the agreement:

LNG Imports: To be completely halted by the end of 2026.

Pipeline Gas: To be phased out by September 30, 2027.

The regulation includes a small grace period, extending the final cutoff to November 1, 2027, for nations facing critical storage shortages ahead of the winter season. This measure ensures energy security while maintaining the bloc's commitment to ending its reliance on Russian fossil fuels.

Overcoming Opposition The legislation was passed via a "qualified majority," allowing the EU to move forward despite resistance from a small number of member states that remain heavily dependent on Russian energy and maintain closer diplomatic ties with Moscow.

Before the geopolitical shifts of 2022, Russia supplied over 40% of the EU's gas. By 2025, that figure had plummeted to approximately 13%. The new law effectively bans companies from entering new contracts with Russian suppliers and mandates the termination of existing agreements in line with the phase-out schedule.

Strict Penalties for Non-Compliance To ensure adherence, the EU has established heavy financial penalties for violations:

Individuals: Minimum fines of €2.5 million.

Corporations: Fines of at least €40 million, or 3.5% of total annual global revenue, or 300% of the estimated transaction value.

The European Commission maintains the authority to temporarily suspend the ban for up to four weeks in the event of a dire energy emergency.

Looking Ahead: Russian Oil is Next This regulation is a cornerstone of the broader "REPowerEU" plan. Furthermore, the Commission has signaled its intent to propose similar legislation to phase out Russian oil imports by the end of 2027, signaling a total transition toward energy independence and diversified global suppliers.