The European Union has agreed to completely phase out gas imports from Russia by the end of 2027 — a sweeping decision that signals the bloc’s most decisive break yet from Moscow’s decades-long energy dominance.
This agreement on Monday, October 20, in Luxembourg, comes amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and rising calls for Europe to end what officials describe as “energy blackmail” by the Kremlin.
At a high-level meeting of energy ministers from all 27 member states, the European Commission’s proposal to ban both pipeline and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Russia was approved.
The measure still requires final endorsement by the European Parliament, but its political momentum is already strong. For many in Brussels, the vote marks the end of an era of dependency that once saw Russia supply over 40% of Europe’s gas before the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
A Strategic Shift Toward Energy Independence
Denmark’s Energy Minister, Lars Aagaard — who chaired the Luxembourg session as holder of the EU’s rotating presidency — called the decision “crucial for Europe’s long-term energy security.”
He said: “Although we have worked hard and pushed to get Russian gas and oil out of Europe in recent years, we are not there yet.”
The European Commission has also proposed that LNG imports from Russia be halted a year earlier, by January 2027, as part of a new sanctions package designed to deprive Moscow of vital export revenue.
The ban is expected to accelerate Europe’s ongoing energy transition toward renewable sources such as wind, hydrogen, and solar power.
Unlike traditional sanctions, which require unanimity, Monday’s trade restriction passed through qualified majority voting, needing only 15 member states representing at least 65% of the EU population.
Only Hungary and Slovakia opposed the motion, citing fears over energy shortages and national security implications.
Hungary and Slovakia Push Back Over Energy Fears
Hungary’s Foreign Minister, Peter Szijjarto, fiercely criticised the decision, warning that it could endanger his country’s energy stability. “The real impact of this regulation is that our safe supply of energy in Hungary is going to be killed,” he said.
Budapest maintains that, as a landlocked nation, it lacks viable alternatives to Russian gas.
Slovakia, which relies heavily on Russian energy infrastructure, voiced similar concerns, though analysts say both nations have been slow to diversify their supply chains compared to others in the bloc.
Under the new framework, no fresh contracts for Russian gas imports will be allowed from January 1, 2026. Short-term deals may continue until June 17, 2027, while long-term agreements must end by January 1, 2028.
A Gradual but Determined Phase-Out
Despite massive reductions since 2022, Russian energy still trickles into Europe. Data from Brussels show that Russian gas accounts for about 13% of EU imports in 2025, worth roughly €15 billion annually. Much of this comes via LNG shipments rather than pipelines.
The European Commission estimates that the full embargo will force member states to boost investments in renewable energy and alternative gas suppliers, particularly from Norway, the U.S., and North Africa.
Critics, however, warn that the short timeline may strain existing infrastructure and raise energy costs across Europe.
Still, the consensus in Brussels is that the long-term benefits outweigh the risks. The shift, officials argue, will shield the EU from political coercion and market shocks tied to Russia’s energy sector.
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