EU prepares legal framework to phase out Russian gas imports by end of 2027

The European Commission is set to unveil legal measures on Tuesday aimed at ending imports of Russian pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) by the end of 2027, in a move that would formalize the European Union’s shift away from Russian energy supplies following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

According to an internal Commission summary seen by Reuters, the proposal would ban imports of Russian pipeline gas and LNG beginning from 1 January, 2026, with extended timelines for existing contractual obligations. Short-term contracts signed before 17 June, 2025, would have a one-year grace period, ending 17 June, 2026. Long-term contracts would be banned from 1 January, 2028, effectively ending Russian gas imports to the European Union by that date.

The proposed legal structure would prevent individual member states from vetoing the plan. Unlike sanctions, which require unanimous agreement, this measure would be based on a legal mechanism that allows approval by a reinforced majority of EU countries along with the European Parliament.

Countries including Hungary and Slovakia, which continue to import Russian gas and have expressed concern over energy cost increases, have previously opposed sanctions on Russian energy. This latest proposal is designed to sidestep such opposition.

Legal protections for companies

The European Commission has also considered the potential legal implications for companies currently under contract with Russian suppliers. EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen said on Monday that the measure would constitute a legal prohibition, enabling companies to invoke force majeure clauses to exit their contracts without facing penalties.

“Since this will be a prohibition, a ban, the companies will not get into legal problems. This is force majeure, as it would be if it had been a sanction,” Jorgensen told reporters.

In addition to halting imports, the EU is expected to ban LNG terminals from servicing Russian customers and require firms importing Russian gas to disclose their contracts to EU and national regulators.

Ongoing concerns and support

While most EU countries are expected to back the plan, some member states have raised concerns about potential financial penalties or arbitration claims against companies breaking long-term contracts.

As of early 2025, around 19% of EU gas supplies still originate from Russia, down from approximately 45% prior to 2022. These imports continue through the TurkStream pipeline and LNG shipments, particularly to countries such as Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Spain.

France’s industry minister Marc Ferracci has voiced conditional support.

“We fully support this plan in principle, with the aim of ensuring that we find the right solutions to provide maximum security for businesses,” explained Ferracci.

The final text of the proposal may still be subject to revisions before it is officially presented. If approved, the measure would mark a significant policy shift in the EU’s long-term energy strategy, underscoring efforts to reduce reliance on Russian energy amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

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