The European Commission plans to implement a ban on the import of Russian gas by the end of 2027.

This move is part of the EU's strategy aimed at reducing economic ties with Russia, according to Bloomberg.

Ending dependency: EU aims to ban gas imports from Russia

The share of Russian gas in the total EU imports has significantly decreased.

In 2024, it accounted for about 19%, whereas before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, it was over 40%.

To further reduce this dependency, the European Union plans to propose a complete ban on any Russian gas imports in June.

The restrictions will apply to both new agreements with Russia and existing spot contracts.

These measures, which will also cover spot contracts making up about a third of total imports, are expected to take effect no later than the end of 2025.

How long-term contracts affect the ban on Russian gas in the EU

A significant portion of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), like pipeline gas, is supplied to Europe under long-term contracts that include "take or pay" clauses.

The European Commission wants to inform the European Parliament about the proposal to ban all Russian gas imports in June.

The ban itself is expected to come into force by the end of 2027.

According to sources, the implementation of this timeline depends on EU member states' ability to increase LNG imports from alternative sources such as the USA, Qatar, Canada, and African countries.

Currently, the issue of LNG procurement from the USA is under discussion in trade negotiations with the administration of President Donald Trump.

The EU plans to publish a strategy for phasing out oil and gas imports from Russia in May.

The European Commission intends to present a comprehensive plan for the gradual cessation of imports of Russian petroleum products and natural gas in May.

In response to Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine, the European Union has committed to ending the use of Russian fossil fuels by 2027.

Analysts from the Brussels-based research center Bruegel have recommended that the EU consider imposing tariffs on Russian gas imports. A complete ban on Russian natural gas will necessitate increasing EU purchases from other suppliers, including the United States.

Currently, the European Union is looking into increasing LNG purchases from the USA.