The European Union has reached a provisional political agreement to permanently halt the import of Russian natural gas and move toward the phaseout of Russian oil, marking one of the most significant energy-policy decisions since the start of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The agreement, reached by the European Parliament and the Council on Monday, establishes binding timelines to end all Russian gas imports by late 2027 and strengthens measures to prevent circumvention as the EU seeks long-term independence from Russian fossil fuels.
The decision forms part of the EU’s broader REPowerEU strategy, launched in 2022 in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and subsequent disruptions to natural gas supplies. According to the European Commission, Russian energy has repeatedly destabilised European markets, threatened security of supply, and contributed to economic uncertainty across the bloc. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the agreement marks what she called “the era of Europe’s full energy independence from Russia,” adding that the measures both reduce Moscow’s energy revenue and accelerate the EU’s diversification toward alternative suppliers.
Permanent Ban on Russian Gas Imports
The agreement outlines a phased schedule for ending Russian gas imports, differentiated between liquefied natural gas (LNG) and pipeline gas. Under the terms:
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Imports of Russian LNG under short-term contracts signed before 17 June 2025 will be prohibited starting 25 April 2026.
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Pipeline gas under short-term contracts will be banned beginning 17 June 2026.
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For long-term LNG contracts concluded before 17 June 2025, imports will cease as of 1 January 2027, consistent with the EU’s 19th sanctions package adopted in October.
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Long-term pipeline-gas deliveries will be permitted until 30 September 2027.
A limited extension is available to Member States whose gas-storage levels fall below required thresholds ahead of winter. Those countries may continue pipeline-gas imports until 31 October 2027. After that date, all Russian gas imports into the EU will be banned.
Amendments to existing contracts are permitted only for operational purposes and cannot increase volumes or prices. The agreement also includes strengthened safeguards against circumvention, supported by the EU’s existing customs-control and monitoring systems. These include new provisions for transparency and traceability to track the movement of Russian gas within EU markets.
During the transition period, importers of Russian gas must obtain prior authorisation and submit detailed information to ensure imported volumes do not exceed those allowed under historical contracts. For non-Russian gas imports, companies will be required to disclose the country of production, except for suppliers that delivered at least five billion cubic metres to the EU in 2024 and either have sanctions in place or lack import infrastructure.
Plan for Diversifying Gas and Oil Supplies
Under the agreement, Member States must submit national diversification plans by 1 March 2026. These plans must outline the steps individual countries will take to shift away from Russian gas and oil. Within one month of the regulation’s entry into force, each Member State must inform the European Commission whether it currently has supply contracts for Russian gas or domestic bans already in place.
The Commission will review each diversification plan and provide recommendations within three months. Officials say the Commission will support Member States with implementation throughout the transition period.
The new regulation also establishes monitoring and coordination mechanisms to prevent circumvention of the gas ban. National authorities will be required to exchange information regularly, and the Commission will monitor compliance alongside the EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER), the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).
Commission officials state that the phaseout will be coordinated and staged to minimise market disruption, avoid price spikes, and ensure secure alternative supplies. The objective is to offer predictability to markets and legal clarity to affected industries.
Phaseout of Russian Oil to Follow
The European Commission reaffirmed its commitment to phasing out all remaining Russian oil imports by the end of 2027, consistent with the Versailles Declaration adopted by EU leaders in March 2022. A legislative proposal to ban Russian oil imports is expected early next year. While Russian oil imports have already fallen sharply — from 27 per cent of EU oil imports at the start of 2022 to 2 per cent today — the Commission says further regulation is required to close remaining gaps.
Background and Declining Russian Energy Dependence
Russia’s share of EU gas imports has dropped significantly since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. The EU imported 45 per cent of its natural gas from Russia before 2022; that figure fell to 13 per cent in the first half of 2025. Despite this progress, an estimated 35 billion cubic metres of Russian gas — valued at €10 billion — still entered the EU last year through LNG and pipeline deliveries.
All Russian coal imports into the EU are already banned under sanctions, and Russian refined-oil imports have been reduced substantially. The new agreement aims to complete the shift away from Russian fossil fuels.
Next Steps
The political agreement must now be translated into all EU languages, then formally approved by both the European Parliament and the Council. Adoption in the Council requires a qualified majority vote. Once approved, the regulation will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and enter into force shortly thereafter.
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