The European Union has agreed to completely end the import of Russian natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) by the end of 2027. The decision is part of the EU’s broader plan to reduce its energy dependence on Russia following the war in Ukraine.
According to the new policy, no new contracts for Russian gas will be signed after January 2026. Existing short-term contracts will expire by mid-2026, while all remaining long-term agreements are expected to end before January 2028.
Officials said the move will strengthen Europe’s energy security and limit Moscow’s revenue from gas exports. The plan encourages member states to increase renewable energy production and diversify imports from other suppliers.
However, some EU countries, including Hungary and Slovakia, have expressed concern about the timeline. They argue that cutting Russian gas too quickly could harm their economies and cause short-term supply issues.
Despite these concerns, EU leaders said the target remains firm and achievable. The agreement is seen as a major step toward energy independence and a unified stance against Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
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