EU formally approves ban on Russian gas imports by autumn 2027

Brussels – Today (26 January), the Council of the European Union formally adopted the regulation providing for the gradual elimination of Russian gas and LNG imports into the EU. Following the interinstitutional agreement reached at the beginning of December, the green light from Member States is the final step in the legislative process: once published in the Official Journal, the regulation will enter into force and be directly applicable in all Member States. 

From 30 September 2027, gas imports via pipeline will be banned. Even earlier, at the beginning of 2027, a total ban on LNG imports will come into force. Existing contracts will benefit from a transition period. By 1 March 2026, national governments will have to prepare national plans to diversify gas supplies and identify potential challenges in replacing Russian gas. Energy companies will be required to notify the authorities and the European Commission of any outstanding Russian gas supply contracts.

The obligation to draft diversification plans also applies to those Member States that continue to import Russian oil, namely, Hungary and Slovakia, to which the EU had previously granted an exemption. Failure to comply with the new rules may result in maximum penalties of at least 2.5 million euros for individuals and at least 40 million euros for companies, equivalent to at least 3.5 per cent of the company’s total worldwide annual turnover or 300 per cent of the estimated turnover of the transaction. In the event of a declared emergency and if security of supply is seriously threatened in one or more EU countries, Brussels may suspend the import ban for up to four weeks. 

The regulation was approved with Hungary and Slovakia voting against and Bulgaria abstaining. The European Commission emphasised ina statement that it also intends to propose legislation to phase out Russian oil imports by the end of 2027.