EU Energy Commissioner Confirms Russian Energy Import Ban Until 2027, Delays Nuclear Hydrogen Classification to 2028

The European Union has reaffirmed its commitment to ending reliance on Russian energy imports, even if a peace deal is reached to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. Dan Jorgensen, the EU Energy Commissioner, stated that the European Commission will continue to require member states to reject Russian oil, gas, and nuclear materials. This policy aims to cease imports of Russian energy resources by 2027 at the latest. Meanwhile, the EU is considering delaying the classification of hydrogen produced from nuclear power as a "low carbon" fuel until 2028, a move criticized by Europe’s nuclear industry as potentially hampering the development of this emerging energy source. Critics argue that the delay is politically motivated and could undermine scalable, zero-carbon energy options crucial for the energy transition. The EU’s stance reflects a broader strategy to reduce dependency on Russian energy and promote alternative energy sources amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.