The EU will ban Russian gas pipelines and LNG by late 2026 and mid-2027, with limited exceptions for Hungary and Slovakia.
Short-term contracts signed before June 2025 will face phased bans starting April 2026 for LNG and June 2026 for pipeline gas.
Long-term LNG contracts may run until January 2027, while long-term pipeline deals stop on September 30, 2027, possibly delayed to November 1.
Member states accelerated plans to diversify energy after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and triggered price spikes across Europe.
EU data shows dependence on Russian gas dropped from 45% pre-invasion to 13% in early 2025, though imports still reached €10 billion.
Political Disputes Over Exceptions
Landlocked countries expressed concerns over supply security and higher energy prices, challenging the ban’s fairness.
Parliament opposed exemptions but eventually conceded to the Council, allowing Hungary and Slovakia limited access during emergencies.
Hungary and Slovakia plan to challenge the law, accusing Brussels of breaching EU treaties.
Prime ministers Viktor Orbán and Robert Fico maintain friendlier stances toward Moscow than other EU leaders.
The law includes a suspension clause, activated if a state reports less than 90% gas storage by November 1.
Member states must create national plans by March 1, 2026, to end Russian gas and oil imports.
Europe Declares Energy Independence
The law also bans gas through Turkstream unless companies prove the gas only transited Russia or Belarus.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU will achieve full energy independence from Russia.
Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen rejected any return to Russian dependence or market manipulation.
Lawmakers argue the law prevents Russia from controlling energy prices and protects European jobs.
Energy ministers will vote on the text on December 15, followed by a parliamentary vote later that week.
