The Council of the European Union announced on Wednesday that it had reached a preliminary agreement with the European Parliament on a new regulation that would phase out Russian natural gas imports - both liquefied (LNG) and pipeline gas. The information was disseminated by the BBC, reports News.bg.
The new regulation is a key part of the European strategy to end dependence on Russian energy resources. The official press release of the Council states that Russia has used gas supplies as a tool for pressure, which has had a serious impact on the energy market in Europe.
„This is a great success for us and for the whole of Europe. "We need to end the EU's dependence on Russian gas, and a permanent ban on its imports is an important step in this direction," said Lars Oagor, Danish Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities. Denmark currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU.
Under the agreed terms, the ban on long-term contracts for the import of Russian liquefied natural gas will enter into force on 1 January 2027 as part of the European Union's 19th sanctions package.
For long-term contracts for the supply of Russian gas by pipeline, the measure should take effect on 30 September 2027, provided that the target levels for filling gas storage facilities set out in the security of supply rules are met. If these requirements are not met, the ban will automatically enter into force on 1 November 2027 at the latest.