EU countries have adopted a preliminary agreement to ban imports of liquefied natural gas and pipeline gas from Russia, according to a publication on the EU Council website.
“Today, the Council presidency and representatives of the European Parliament reached a preliminary agreement on a regulation to suspend imports of Russian natural gas“, the statement said.
The regulation provides for a phased ban on imports of both liquefied and pipeline gas from Russia. A complete ban on imports of liquefied natural gas will come into force at the end of 2026, and for imports via pipelines - in the autumn of 2027.
The co-authors of the document also confirmed that gas imports from Russia will be banned six weeks after the entry into force of the regulation, with a transitional period remaining for existing gas supply contracts. For long-term contracts for the import of liquefied natural gas, the ban will apply from 1 January 2027, in accordance with the 19th package of sanctions.
For long-term agreements for the import of gas via pipelines, the ban will apply from 30 September 2027, provided that storage capacity targets are met. The ban on gas imports via pipelines could come into force no later than November 1 of the same year.
“For short-term supply contracts concluded before June 17, 2025, the ban on Russian gas imports will apply from April 25, 2026 for liquefied natural gas and from June 17, 2026 for pipeline gas“, said a statement on the EU Council website.
In late 2024, former Italian Prime Minister and former ECB President Mario Draghi prepared a report for the President of the European Commission. According to the document, the EU energy market is facing fundamental problems and shortages of natural resources, despite claims of successful substitution of Russian fuel. Gas prices in the EU are four to five times higher than in the US.
According to Moscow, Europe has lost more than 1.3 trillion euros due to the ban on Russian imports. Putin said the decision has led to the closure of fertilizer production facilities in the EU, which has accelerated inflation and forced Europeans to take to the streets.
However, in mid-October this year, the Council of the European Union approved a phased suspension of Russian gas supplies, starting from January 1, 2026. A transitional period will remain in force for existing contracts until January 1, 2028.
A measure is also planned to suspend the ban if supply problems arise.