EC proposes plan to phase out Russian gas and LNG imports

The European Commission has put forward a legislative proposal to gradually and effectively stop the import of Russian gas and oil into the EU by the end of 2027.

The proposed regulation provides a stepwise phase-out of pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) originating in or exported directly or indirectly from the Russian Federation. It also presents measures to facilitate the complete stop of Russian oil imports by the end of 2027.

Under the envisaged gradual import ban, Russian gas imports under new contracts will be prohibited as of 1 January 2026.

Imports under existing short-term contracts will be stopped by 17 June 2026, except those for pipeline gas delivered to land-locked countries and linked to long-term contracts which will be allowed until the end of 2027. Imports under long-term contracts will be stopped by the end of 2027.

Long-term contracts for LNG terminal services for customers from Russia or controlled by Russian undertakings will also be prohibited.

The EC detailed that the proposal includes steps for phasing out pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG), as well as measures