EU has finally approved plan to end Russian gas imports

EU countries have finally approved a plan to ban imports of Russian gas by the end of 2027.

Hungary and Slovakia voted against the law, but the decision was adopted by a qualified majority (72% of EU member states representing 65% of the population – ed.).

Under the document, imports of Russian pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas to the EU will be banned six weeks after the law enters into force.

However, there will be a transition period for existing contracts: the EU will completely stop importing Russian liquefied natural gas by the end of 2026 and pipeline gas by 30 September 2027.

Countries have been allowed to postpone the ban until no later than 1 November 2027 if they have difficulties filling their gas storage facilities with gas from abroad ahead of the winter heating season.

Penalties are envisaged for individuals and legal entities for non-compliance with the rules.

The EU will also verify the country of origin of the gas before allowing imports into the union.

In December 2025, the European Parliament voted for the plan to phase out Russian gas by the end of 2027.

On 10 December 2025, EU ambassadors agreed on a plan for a gradual end to Russian gas imports by the end of 2027.

The EU said it will not return to Russian energy even after the war ends.