The EU moves to end reliance on Moscow by banning Russian pipeline gas and LNG by 2026 and 2027.
Lawmakers set deadlines that phase out short-term and long-term contracts, with staggered dates for LNG and pipeline gas.
Officials say the bloc must stop financing Russia’s war in Ukraine and reduce vulnerability to supply manipulation.
Landlocked States Secure Emergency Protection
Hungary and Slovakia gain access to a suspension clause allowing Russian gas during severe supply disruptions.
EU governments accept this clause after landlocked countries raise concerns about price spikes and supply security.
Hungary calls the law unfair and prepares a legal challenge with Slovakia, citing treaty violations.
The clause activates only if a country holds under 90% gas storage by November 1 in any year.
Member states must create diversification plans by March 2026 to phase out Russian gas and oil imports.
EU Leaders Declare the End of Energy Dependence
EU data shows reliance on Russian gas dropped from 45% before the invasion to 13% in early 2025.
Belgium, France, and Spain continue receiving Russian LNG through transhipments despite the reduction.
The new law bans imports through Turkstream unless companies prove the gas originated outside Russia or Belarus.
Commission leaders celebrate the agreement as a turning point that protects European jobs and stops Russian market manipulation.
Energy ministers and Parliament will vote on the final text in mid-December, completing the legislative process.
