The EU aims to eliminate its energy dependence on Moscow and halt funding for Russia’s war in Ukraine.
EU lawmakers agreed to block Russian pipeline gas and LNG by late 2026 and mid-2027, while allowing Hungary and Slovakia limited access during emergencies.
The rules state that short-term contracts signed before 17 June 2025 will face LNG restrictions from 25 April 2026 and pipeline limits from 17 June 2026.
Long-term LNG contracts may continue until 1 January 2027, and long-term pipeline deals will end on 30 September 2027, unless storage levels delay the deadline to 1 November 2027.
Disputes Emerge Over Security and Exemptions
Member states pushed to diversify energy supplies after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine disrupted EU markets.
EU statistics show reliance on Russian gas dropping from 45% to 13% by mid-2025, though imports still reached €10 billion.
Some governments supported the ban as a blow to Moscow’s war finances, while landlocked members demanded safeguards to prevent supply shortages.
The Parliament initially rejected exemptions but later accepted them after negotiations with the Council.
Hungary and Slovakia intend to challenge the law, arguing that it violates EU treaties and imposes unfair obligations.
Both countries’ leaders maintain more Kremlin-friendly positions than most EU heads of government.
Emergency Measures and a New Energy Era
Negotiators added a suspension clause that the Commission may trigger if a state declares an emergency under EU gas security rules, which apply when reserves fall below 90% by 1 November.
All EU members must prepare diversification plans by 1 March 2026 to outline clear steps for ending Russian oil and gas imports.
The law bans imports through Turkstream unless companies prove the gas only transited Russia or Belarus and originated elsewhere.
EU leaders describe the agreement as a decisive break from Russian energy, vowing never to return to volatile supplies or political pressure.
Lawmakers say the legislation protects European jobs and shielded households from the price shocks of 2021 and 2022.
Energy ministers will vote on the final text on 15 December, followed by a Parliament vote the same week.
