EU Council officially approves phased ban on Russian gas imports

On Jan. 26 all 27 European Union member states officially adopted regulations providing for a phased ban on imports of Russian pipeline and liquefied natural gas (LNG) into Europe. Under the provisions, imports of Russian gas are slated to come to a complete halt no later than September 2027.

A transition period will be provided to allow for existing contracts to be fulfilled. For short-term LNG contracts, the period will last until Apr. 25, 2026, and for pipeline gas, until June 17, 2026. For long-term LNG contracts, the period will extend until Jan. 1, 2027, and for long-term pipeline gas arrangements, until Sept. 30, 2027.

By Mar. 1, 2026, EU countries must also prepare national plans for diversifying gas supplies and notify the European Commission of any potential issues that may arise from the ban on Russian gas imports. Member states will also need to provide information on any remaining active contracts with Russia.

As Reuters notes, Hungary and Slovakia voted against the proposal, while Bulgaria abstained. However, the countries will still have to comply with the EU Council’s decision.

Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár stated that Bratislava intends to appeal to the European Union Court to annul the regulation banning Russian gas imports.

Before the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russian gas accounted for about 40% of total EU imports. However, by 2025, that share had fallen to around 13%, Reuters reports.

In the coming months, the European Commission also plans to propose legislation for the gradual phase-out of Russian nuclear fuel and pipeline oil.