EU adopts law to ban Russian gas imports, sets 2027 deadline for full phase-out

2026-01-26 - 11:38

The European Union formally adopted legislation on Monday to end its reliance on Russian fossil fuels, introducing a phased ban on imports of pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG). The regulation, approved unanimously by all 27 member states, includes strict monitoring, supply diversification requirements, and significant penalties for violations. Staged Implementation and Transition Period Under the new rules, imports of Russian gas will be gradually restricted starting six weeks after the law enters force, with a transition period allowing existing contracts to expire to minimize market disruption. A complete ban on LNG imports will take effect at the start of 2027, while pipeline gas imports will be prohibited from autumn 2027. EU countries must verify the origin of gas before allowing entry into the bloc and notify authorities of any remaining contracts involving Russian gas. Diversification Plans and Penalties Member states are required to submit national plans by March 1, 2026, detailing how they will diversify gas supplies and manage risks associated with replacing Russian imports. Countries still importing Russian oil must also prepare similar diversification strategies. The regulation imposes heavy penalties for non-compliance, including fines of at least €2.5 million for individuals and €40 million for companies—or up to 3.5% of a firm’s global annual turnover. Emergency Safeguards and Next Steps In emergency situations where energy security is seriously threatened, the European Commission can suspend the ban for up to four weeks. The Commission is also expected to propose legislation by the end of the year to phase out Russian oil imports by the end of 2027, marking another step in the EU’s strategic decoupling from Russian energy.