The European Union is preparing to take a major step toward completely banning Russian oil and natural gas imports—over three years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.On Tuesday, the European Commission proposed new legislation that would phase out purchases of Russian natural gas, whether delivered by pipeline or as liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipped by sea. Under the plan, EU countries would be barred from signing new import contracts starting next year. Existing short-term contracts would have to end within a year for most member states, while long-term contracts must be phased out entirely by the end of 2027.“Russia has repeatedly tried to blackmail us by weaponizing its energy exports,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “We are taking decisive action to cut off this influence and bring an end to Europe’s dependence on Russian fossil fuels.”The proposal also blocks Russian-owned or controlled companies from securing long-term contracts at EU LNG terminals, allowing the bloc to reallocate terminal capacity to other suppliers.Oil Imports Targeted TooThe Commission’s plan extends to oil as well. EU countries still importing Russian crude—like Hungary and Slovakia—would be required to develop phase-out plans, with the goal of completely ending those imports by 2027.According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, Hungary and Slovakia continued to receive Russian crude via pipeline in 2024.This new legislative effort gives weight to the EU’s “REPowerEU” strategy, first announced in May 2022, which aims to end reliance on Russian energy.To ensure progress despite resistance from some pro-Russia EU members, the Commission used trade and energy laws—not sanctions law—as the legal basis for the proposal. That means the plan can pass with a “qualified majority” rather than needing unanimous approval, avoiding possible vetoes from countries like Hungary or Slovakia.Dramatic Shift in Energy TiesFollowing the Russian invasion in 2022, the EU slashed its energy imports from Moscow. Russian gas, which once made up 45% of EU imports, fell to just 19% by 2024. Russian oil dropped even more sharply, from 27% of total EU imports in early 2022 to only 3% last year.Just last week, the EU introduced its 18th round of sanctions against Russia. These include:A proposal to lower the price cap on Russian oil exports from $60 to $45 per barrelA full transaction ban on Russian banks and institutions in third countries that help Moscow evade existing sanctions“Sanctions are essential,” said von der Leyen. “Strength is the only language Russia understands.”The new energy ban proposal and recent sanctions reflect Europe’s ongoing strategy to weaken Russia’s war economy while securing alternative energy supplies for the future.
