EU energy ministers agreed a joint position to phase out Russian gas by the end of 2027, setting staged cut-offs for new, short-term and long-term contracts and accelerating Europe’s energy independence drive.
European Union energy ministers meeting in Luxembourg struck a joint position on phasing out Russian gas imports, aiming to end remaining pipeline and LNG supplies from Moscow by the end of 2027. The Council text builds in staged transition deadlines — banning new Russian gas deals from January 1, 2026, allowing certain short-term contracts to run until mid-June 2026 and phasing out long-term contracts by January 1, 2028 — while including flexibilities for landlocked states with special energy needs.
Policymakers presented the move as the next step in the REPowerEU strategy to cut Moscow’s energy revenues and accelerate Europe’s energy independence after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The decision still requires European Parliament review and further inter-institutional negotiations before becoming binding law; diplomats say the phased approach is designed to limit shocks to supply and give member states time to secure alternatives.
Implementation will push EU capitals to speed up procurement of LNG, pipeline diversions, storage fills and demand-side measures while pressing for stricter enforcement against circumvention — including targeting the “shadow fleet” that helps sanctioned cargoes move. Analysts warn domestic energy prices, industrial competitiveness and gas-dependent industries could face short-term pressure, but officials argue the long-term gain is reduced geopolitical exposure and stronger investment in renewables and energy efficiency.
