The EU will ban Russian pipeline gas and LNG by 2026-2027, while allowing emergency exceptions for Hungary and Slovakia.
Lawmakers set phased deadlines for short-term contracts, starting April 2026 for LNG and June 2026 for pipelines.
Long-term LNG contracts may continue until January 2027, and long-term pipelines until September or November 2027.
Member states accelerated diversification after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, causing energy price spikes across the bloc.
EU data shows gas dependence fell from 45% pre-invasion to 13% in early 2025, but imports still reached €10 billion.
Political Clash Over Exemptions
Most EU nations supported the ban to weaken Moscow’s war funding, while landlocked states warned of supply risks.
Parliament initially opposed exemptions but accepted them after negotiations with the Council to break the deadlock.
Hungary and Slovakia plan legal challenges, calling the law a “fraud” and in conflict with EU treaties.
Hungary’s Péter Szijjártó said Slovakia also consulted authorities about potential action.
The suspension clause can activate only if a member state reports less than 90% storage by November 1.
Countries must create national plans to end Russian gas and oil imports by March 2026.
Europe Declares Energy Independence
The law also bans TurkStream imports, except when gas transits Russia or Belarus but originates elsewhere.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the agreement the start of full EU energy independence from Russia.
She said the bloc will cut Russia’s war funds and pursue new energy partnerships.
Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen rejected any return to Russian dependence, volatility, or market manipulation.
Lead Parliament negotiator Thomas Pellerin-Carlin said the law protects jobs and prevents Russia from manipulating the energy market.
Energy ministers will vote on December 15, with Parliament following in a plenary vote the same week.
