Today, the European Council has finalised its negotiating position on a regulation to phase out imports of Russian natural gas, a key component of the EU’s REPowerEU roadmap to reduce dependency on Russian energy. This regulation introduces a legally binding prohibition on both pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Russia, with a full ban effective 1 January 2028.
Following Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, EU leaders agreed, in the Versailles Declaration of March 2022, to phase out dependency on Russian fossil fuels as soon as possible. As a consequence,gas and oil imports from Russia to the EU have both decreased significantly in recent years. However, while imports of oil have dropped to below 3% in 2025, Russian gas still accounts for an estimated 13% of EU imports in 2025, worth over €15 billion annually.
This leaves the EU exposed to significant risks in terms of its trade and energy security. In order to address this vulnerability, in May 2025, the Commission adopted the REPowerEU roadmap to ensure a stepwise approach to the phasing out of the remaining Russian energy imports and to boost the EU’s energy independence and security.
In June 2025 the Commission put forward a proposal focusing on a gradual phasing out of the remaining pipeline gas and LNG, with a full prohibition by 1 January 2028.
“An energy independent Europe is a stronger and more secure Europe. Although we have worked hard and pushed to get Russian gas and oil out of Europe in recent years, we are not there yet. Therefore, it is crucial that the Danish Presidency has secured an overwhelming support from Europe’s energy ministers for the legislation that will definitively ban Russian gas from coming into the EU,” highlighted Lars Aagaard, Minister for climate, energy and utilities of Denmark.
Imports of Russian gas will be banned from 1 January 2026, but existing contracts will have a transitional period. Short-term contracts signed before 17 June 2025, can continue until 17 June 2026, while long-term contracts can last until 1 January 2028. Amendments to contracts are limited and cannot increase volumes.
The Council has taken steps to streamline customs obligations for non-Russian gas imports, requiring only proof of the country of production for entry. For Russian gas during the transition, more information is needed, including contract details.
To ensure effective prohibition, both Russian and non-Russian gas imports will need prior authorisation. Russian gas requires submission at least one month before entry, while non-Russian gas needs documentation five days prior. For mixed LNG shipments, only the non-Russian amounts can enter the EU.
To alleviate administrative burdens, some countries will be exempt from the prior authorisation procedure based on specific criteria. The regulation also mandates that member states submit national plans for diversifying their gas supplies, but those no longer importing Russian gas can be exempted.
The Council has enhanced provisions for information exchange between national authorities and the Commission, which will review the regulation’s implementation within two years. Negotiations with the European Parliament will begin once it adopts its position on the final text of the regulation.
