How EU is discussing the ban on Russian gas and who supports easing it
The EU is approaching a historic decision to ban imports of Russian gas.
On 20 October, the EU Council agreed on a common position regarding the new Regulation on the gradual cessation of Russian gas imports – a key document within the REPowerEU roadmap aimed at ending dependence on Russian energy.
However, it’s not that simple, as the Council’s position is weaker than expected. A struggle for a tougher final version of REPowerEU lies ahead.
Read more about the ongoing battle between EU institutions over the ban on buying Russian gas in the column Kateryna Kontsur of Razom We Stand: The struggle to ban Russian gas: can we avoid easing EU sanctions?
The author notes that on 20 October, the EU Council finally adopted its position on the Regulation for the gradual cessation of Russian gas imports, taking a stance more favourable to Russia compared to the tougher decision of the European Parliament from 17 October 2025.
The next, third stage is a trilogue between the European Parliament, the EU Council, and the European Commission, which involves three rounds of political tripartite negotiations: on 6 November, 20 November and 2 December.
The final decision is expected in December, adds the expert.
The EU Council supported a gradual approach, while the European Parliament holds a stricter stance, insisting on accelerating the ban on oil and gas purchases.
"The differences between the European Parliament and the EU Council positions are very significant," emphasises Kateryna Kontsur.
According to Razom We Stand, the EU could deny Putin’s war machine an additional €29 billion over 2026–2028 if it chooses the stricter and faster ban on Russian energy proposed by the European Parliament.
During discussions in the EU Council, the countries split into three camps, the column notes: "Proactive" – Poland, Sweden, Croatia, Portugal and the Baltic states, favouring the fastest exit; "Critics" – Hungary and Slovakia, for whom Russian gas remains a "matter of survival; "Cautious" – Austria, Italy, Greece and Romania, agreeing with the overall goal but having their own concerns.
At the same time, France, Spain and Belgium, large importers of Russian LNG, seek guarantees against commercial lawsuits following the termination of long-term contracts, the Razom We Stand representative adds.
According to Razom We Stand, Russia will lose up to €5 billion per year due to a ban on spot/short-term contracts in the EU starting 1 January 2026, and around €15 billion from a full ban on all imports (both pipeline and LNG) from 1 January 2027.
"The EU must set clear dates without loopholes: the ban on new contracts for Russian gas, oil, and petroleum products – from 1 January 2026; complete cessation of all supplies no later than 1 January 2027, exactly as provided by the EU’s 19th sanctions package," writes Kateryna Kontsur.
She argues that transitional periods for LNG terminal gas bans should be shortened, and exemptions for landlocked countries should be removed.
No "geographical specifics" can justify financing a war, the expert stresses.
She also emphasises that the Regulation on the gradual cessation of Russian gas imports must be synchronised with sanction packages, particularly regarding the ban on insuring the "shadow fleet."
"The EU must implement a mandatory energy tracing system, give customs authorities the right to block supplies of dubious origin, and create a ‘violators’ register’ – companies and ships prohibited from accessing the market," the expert notes.