The European Commission announced that it has today adopted a proposal to phase out gas and oil imports from Russia by the end of 2027, in order to limit threats to market and economic security related to dependence on Russian fossil fuels.
The legislative proposal states that imports of Russian gas can be phased out without significant economic impact or threat to security of supply. EU countries will be required to present import diversification plans with precise measures and stages for phasing out trade in Russian fuels.
It is planned that imports of Russian gas under new contracts will be banned from 1 January 2026, and under existing short-term contracts until 17 June 2026, with the exception of imports via pipelines to landlocked countries under long-term contracts, which will remain allowed until the end of 2027. The Commission also proposes that imports under long-term contracts be suspended until the end of 2027. Long-term contracts for the import of liquefied natural gas to customers from Russia or Russian-controlled companies are also proposed to be banned.
If the security of supply of one or more EU countries is threatened, the Commission may take the necessary emergency measures, the communication states. Companies with contracts for the supply of Russian gas will have to provide the EC and customs with data on the route of imported gas from its actual origin to the EU entry point.
The EC proposals require support from the European Parliament and a qualified majority vote in the EU Council to be adopted. The Commission specifies that imports of Russian gas are recovering, despite the measures and sanctions taken so far due to the Russian military attack on Ukraine.