The EU will ban Russian pipeline gas and LNG by 2027, granting Hungary and Slovakia emergency exceptions.
Short-term contracts signed before June 2025 will end in April and June 2026 for LNG and pipeline gas.
Long-term LNG deals may continue until January 2027, while long-term pipeline contracts face a ban starting September 2027, potentially delayed to November.
Member states accelerated energy diversification after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and caused widespread price spikes.
EU dependence on Russian gas fell from 45% pre-invasion to 13% in early 2025, though imports still cost €10 billion.
Political Tensions Over Exemptions
Most EU countries backed the ban to reduce Moscow’s war funding, while landlocked states feared higher prices and supply risks.
Parliament initially opposed exemptions but ultimately allowed Hungary and Slovakia conditional access under emergency rules.
Hungary and Slovakia plan legal challenges, calling the law unfair and inconsistent with EU treaties.
The European Commission can activate the emergency clause only if gas reserves drop below 90% by November 1.
Member states must submit plans by March 2026 detailing how they will stop Russian gas and oil imports.
Leaders Declare Energy Independence
The law also bans TurkStream imports unless the gas only transits Russia or Belarus.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the agreement a milestone for Europe’s energy independence.
She said the EU will weaken Russia’s war finances while pursuing new energy partnerships.
Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen confirmed the EU will never return to Russian dependence or volatile supply manipulation.
Lawmaker Thomas Pellerin-Carlin said the law protects jobs and stops Russia from controlling European energy prices.
Energy ministers will vote on December 15, followed by a Parliament plenary vote the same week.
