EU grants ultimate consent to prohibit Russian gas imports by 2027

EU Approves Gradual Ban on Russian Gas Imports

The European Union has officially approved a step-by-step prohibition on importing Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) and pipeline gas, according to a statement from the Council of the EU on January 26. This decision is a significant part of the EU's broader strategy to eliminate its dependence on Russian energy sources, a response to Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine that began in 2022.

Under the new regulations, the initial restrictions will be enforced six weeks after the rules are enacted. A complete ban on LNG imports from Russia is scheduled to start in early 2027, with pipeline gas imports to be fully halted later that autumn. Additionally, EU member countries will be required to confirm the source of their imported gas and develop national plans to comply with these new standards.