EU to Ban Russian Gas Imports by 2027, Including New and Existing Contracts, Proposals in June

The European Union is set to propose a comprehensive ban on Russian gas imports by the end of 2027, aiming to sever its remaining energy ties with Moscow. This initiative includes both pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from both new and existing contracts.

The EU's plan involves a two-phase approach: first, a ban on new Russian gas deals and existing spot contracts by the end of 2025, followed by a complete cessation of all Russian gas imports by 2027. This strategy is part of the EU's broader effort to reduce its dependency on Russian fossil fuels, which had previously accounted for about 40% of its gas supply before the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The timeline for implementing these bans hinges on the EU's ability to secure alternative LNG supplies from countries such as the United States, Qatar, Canada, and Africa. Despite the reduction in Russian gas imports to 19% of the EU's total gas purchases in 2024, challenges remain due to long-term contracts with Russian suppliers like Gazprom, which include stringent 'take-or-pay' clauses. The EU plans to present these proposals in June.