EU to reach settlement to ban Russian gas imports by autumn 2027
European lawmakers and EU member states have finalized a political agreement to completely phase out Russian natural-gas imports by autumn 2027, marking one of the bloc’s most significant energy decisions since the start of the Ukraine war.
The deal establishes a legally binding timetable to end both pipeline and liquefied natural gas deliveries, closing a long chapter of dependence on Russian energy.
The agreement bridges earlier differences between the European Parliament — which pushed for a faster cutoff — and several member states that requested more time to secure alternative supplies.
Under the compromise, long-term gas contracts with Russian suppliers will be prohibited no later than 1 November 2027, effectively eliminating the ability of energy companies to maintain contractual ties with Gazprom or other Russian entities beyond that point.
The phased approach introduces a structured timeline, as short-term contracts will begin to expire in 2026, while LNG agreements will be restricted earlier than pipeline gas, reflecting the relative ease of replacing LNG volumes via global markets.
The final step, in late 2027, will end all remaining long-term commitments.
EU officials say the policy is designed to eliminate the “Weaponization” risk associated with Russian energy, citing past supply disruptions and political pressure during periods of geopolitical tension.
The bloc now argues that infrastructure enhancements, expanded LNG import capacity, improved interconnections, and diversified suppliers will allow Europe to maintain energy security as Russian gas is removed from the market.
The regulation also introduces oversight mechanisms, as energy companies will be required to report existing Russian-gas contracts, document the origin of imported gas, and comply with strict authorization rules designed to prevent circumvention through intermediaries.
Limited emergency exemptions remain possible, but only under tightly defined conditions.
Once formally adopted by the Council and European Parliament, the measure will set the EU on a definitive path to ending more than half a century of structural reliance on Russian natural gas.
The shift is expected to reshape European energy markets, accelerate diversification and renewable-energy investment, and significantly reduce Moscow’s leverage over the continent’s energy security.
