The European Union has formally approved legislation aimed at phasing out all imports of Russian gas by the end of 2027. This decision marks a significant strategic shift, ending decades of reliance on energy supplies from Moscow. The agreement comes despite anticipated legal challenges from some member states.
The legislative agreement, reached after protracted negotiations between EU government representatives and the European Parliament, adopts proposals initially put forward by the European Commission in June. The core objective is to halt gas shipments from what was formerly the EU’s largest supplier, as a direct response to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Key provisions of the agreement include:
- A complete cessation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports by the end of 2026.
- A halt to gas imports via pipelines by the end of September 2027.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated, “Today, we have agreed to permanently end these imports. By cutting off Putin’s funding sources, we are demonstrating our solidarity with Ukraine and looking forward to new partnerships and opportunities in the energy sector.”
However, the decision is not without its detractors. Hungary and Slovakia are reportedly considering legal action. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced that Budapest would file a challenge with the European Court of Justice, arguing that the legislation was illegally disguised as a trade policy to circumvent the required unanimity for sanctions. Szijjarto stated that Hungary could not accept or implement what he termed an order from Brussels. Slovakia is also evaluating its legal options, as both nations are heavily dependent on Russian oil and gas and fear that costlier alternatives will damage their economies.
The Kremlin has already condemned the EU’s decision, arguing it would undermine Europe’s competitiveness and lead to higher prices for European consumers. The long-term impact of this energy transition remains to be seen.
