European Council, European Parliament agree on plan to end Russian gas imports
The European Council and the European Parliament (EP) have reached a preliminary agreement on a regulation to phase out imports of Russian natural gas. The corresponding statement on this matter was published on the EP website on Wednesday night.
"This regulation is a central element of the EU's REPowerEU roadmap to end dependence on Russian energy after Russia weaponized gas supplies, which had a significant impact on the European energy market," the press release said.
The adopted document, as noted, "introduces a legally binding, stepwise prohibition on both liquefied natural gas (LNG) and pipeline gas imports from Russia, with a full ban from the end of 2026 and autumn 2027 respectively."
According to the document, "imports of Russian pipeline gas and LNG will be prohibited from six weeks after entry into force of the regulation, while maintaining a transition period for existing contracts. In particular: for short-term supply contracts concluded before 17 June 2025, the prohibition of Russian gas imports will apply from 25 April 2026 for LNG and 17 June 2026 for pipeline gas. For long-term contracts for LNG imports, the prohibition will apply from 1 January 2027, in line with the 19th sanctions package."
