Europe Declares Energy Independence: EU Secures Landmark Deal to Ban All Russian Gas Imports by Late 2027

The European Council presidency and negotiators from the European Parliament have reached a preliminary political agreement that would require the gradual termination of all Russian natural-gas imports—both LNG and pipeline deliveries—by the end of 2027.

This measure is a central component of the EU’s REPowerEU strategy, which aims to permanently break the bloc’s dependence on Russian energy, particularly after Moscow used gas supplies as political leverage against Europe.

The deal lays out a clear timeline. Long-term LNG contracts must conclude by 1 January 2027, while long-term contracts for pipeline gas must end by 30 September 2027, or 1 November 2027 at the latest, depending on whether member states meet required storage thresholds. Short-term arrangements end earlier: LNG imports will stop on 25 April 2026, and pipeline gas on 17 June 2026.

To ensure the phase-out proceeds as intended, any changes to existing agreements are restricted to essential operational needs and may not increase supply volumes. During the transition, all gas purchases will require prior authorization, backed by documentation proving that quantities do not exceed historical contract levels.

Although the EU still ranks as Russia’s largest LNG customer, shipments have already fallen sharply since early 2022. Russia previously provided about 45% of EU gas, a share that has since declined to roughly 13% in the first half of 2025, or slightly above 10% by October. Even with the sharp drop, remaining imports in 2024 were valued at approximately €15 billion. Lower Russian prices relative to alternatives—such as US LNG—were one reason consensus on a full ban took time to achieve.

Under the new regulation, each member state must present a national diversification plan outlining how it will secure replacement gas and oil supplies within the established deadlines. In addition, the European Commission will propose legislation early next year to eliminate all remaining Russian oil imports by the end of 2027. Enforcement mechanisms are also included, such as potential penalties and a temporary suspension clause should energy-supply security be threatened.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the breakthrough, describing it as the beginning of an era in which Europe will no longer rely on Russian energy.