The EU Council has agreed on its negotiating position on a draft regulation aimed at phasing out natural gas imports from Russia.
This move aligns with the EU’s REPowerEU road map, which aims to strengthen its energy independence and security by reducing Russian energy imports.
The regulation outlines a timeline for the termination of both pipeline and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Russia, with a complete ban set for 1 January 2028.
The EU Council confirmed that Russian gas imports will be prohibited from 1 January 2026, allowing a transition period for existing contracts.
Short-term contracts made before 17 June 2025 can continue until 17 June 2026, while long-term agreements may persist until the full ban in 2028.
Amendments to contracts are limited to operational needs and cannot increase volumes, except under specific conditions for landlocked countries.
Denmark’s Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities, Lars Aagaard, said: “An energy independent Europe is a stronger and more secure Europe.
“Although we have worked hard and pushed to get Russian gas and oil out of Europe in recent years, we are not there yet.
“Therefore, it is crucial that the Danish Presidency has secured an overwhelming support from Europe’s energy ministers for the legislation that will definitively ban Russian gas from coming into the EU.”
Customs procedures have been revised to ease documentation for non-Russian gas imports, requiring only proof of origin.
However, more detailed information is needed for Russian gas during the transition, including contract details and amendments.
The Council mandates prior authorisation for both categories to ensure compliance, with different timelines for submission based on the gas origin.
The regulation also introduces national diversification plans, requiring member states to outline their strategies for sourcing alternative gas supplies.
Exemptions apply to countries no longer importing Russian gas directly or indirectly.
Similar regulations are applied for states that are importing Russian oil, with a deadline to cease these imports by 1 January 2028.
The Council enhanced the information exchange framework between the EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators and the Commission.
It also called for a review of the regulation’s implementation within two years.
The next phase involves negotiations with the European Parliament to finalise the regulation.
“EU Council agrees to ban Russian gas imports by 2028” was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.
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