Luxembourg: EU energy ministers have endorsed the European Commission’s ambitious plan to eliminate the European Union’s reliance on Russian oil and gas imports by 2028. This decision was made during a meeting held in Luxembourg, in response to Russia’s repeated use of gas supplies as a political tool and its disruptions of deliveries, which have significantly impacted the European energy market.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the European Council’s press release outlined a proposed regulation that mandates a legally binding, gradual ban on Russian gas imports, including those via pipelines and liquefied natural gas (LNG). The complete ban is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2028. The Council maintained this deadline, signaling member states’ determination to implement the phase-out decisively.
The decision aims to build a resilient and independent European energy market, enhancing energy security within the EU. Danish Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities Lars Aagaard, presiding over the EU’s rotating presidency, emphasized that an energy-independent Europe would be stronger and safer. He acknowledged past efforts to reduce dependency on Russian energy and highlighted the significance of the Danish presidency securing broad support from EU ministers for this critical legislation.
The agreement includes amendments such as a transitional period for existing contracts. Imports of Russian gas will be banned from January 1, 2026, with provisions allowing short-term contracts until June 17, 2026, and long-term contracts until January 1, 2028. Modification of existing contracts is restricted to strictly defined operational purposes, ensuring no increase in imported quantities, with exceptions for landlocked states affected by supply route changes.
The Council also introduced simplified administrative procedures, reducing documentation requirements for non-Russian gas imports and establishing a prior licensing system for all imports to enforce the ban effectively. Import data for Russian gas must be submitted a month before entering EU territory, while non-Russian gas data must be provided at least five days in advance. Verification of origin ratios for mixed LNG shipments is required.
Additionally, member states must submit national plans to diversify gas sources, detailing measures and challenges. States that have completely ceased Russian gas imports will be exempted from this obligation. The same commitment extends to Russian oil imports, which must be phased out entirely by January 1, 2028.