EU Council adopts stepwise ban on Russian LNG & gas

Under the regulation, importing Russian pipeline gas and LNG into the EU will be prohibited, with the ban starting six weeks after the rules enter into force. Existing contracts will be allowed a transition period to limit market disruption. A full ban on LNG imports will apply from the beginning of 2027, followed by a complete ban on pipeline gas imports from autumn 2027.

The new framework introduces strict monitoring measures. Before authorising gas imports, EU countries must verify the country of production. Companies will be required to notify national authorities and the European Commission of any remaining Russian gas contracts.

Non-compliance may result in penalties of at least €2.5 million (~$2.97 million) for individuals and at least €40 million for companies, or at least 3.5 per cent of a company’s total worldwide annual turnover, or 300 per cent of the estimated transaction turnover.

By March 1, 2026, member states must submit national plans outlining how they will diversify gas supplies and address challenges in replacing Russian gas. Countries still importing Russian oil will also be required to present diversification strategies.

In emergency situations where security of supply is seriously threatened, the Commission may temporarily suspend the import ban for up to four weeks.

The regulation will be published in the Official Journal of the EU and will enter into force one day after publication, applying directly across all member states. The Commission has also indicated it will propose separate legislation to phase out Russian oil imports by the end of 2027.

“As of today, the EU energy market will be stronger, more resilient and more diversified. We are breaking away from detrimental reliance on Russian gas and taking a major step, in a spirit of solidarity and cooperation, towards an autonomous Energy Union,” said Michael Damianos, Minister for Energy, Commerce and Industry of Cyprus.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)