The European Union has reached a landmark agreement to phase out all Russian natural gas imports by late 2027, marking one of the bloc’s most significant steps yet to end its long-standing dependence on Russian energy. Negotiators for EU member states and the European Parliament struck the deal early Wednesday, endorsing proposals first put forward by the European Commission in June.
The decision comes nearly three years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which exposed the vulnerabilities created by years of heavy reliance on Russian fossil fuels. Before the war, Russia was the EU’s largest gas supplier, providing more than 40% of the bloc’s total consumption. Since then, the EU has worked to sharply cut imports through emergency diversification measures, increased LNG shipments from alternative suppliers, and accelerated investment in renewable energy.
Under the new agreement, the EU will permanently halt the import of Russian natural gas in all forms. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports will be phased out by the end of 2026, while pipeline gas will be completely discontinued by the end of September 2027. The deal also commits the bloc to moving toward a broader phase-out of Russian oil, reinforcing earlier sanctions and restrictions already imposed after the invasion.
EU officials described the agreement as a decisive step toward energy security and geopolitical resilience, arguing that the bloc must ensure it is never again dependent on a single supplier — particularly one engaged in a war on European soil. The phased timeline aims to give member states sufficient time to adjust their energy systems, develop infrastructure, and prevent sharp price spikes.
The deal will now move to formal approval by the European Parliament and EU member states in the Council, a process expected to move swiftly given broad political support for reducing Russia’s leverage over the European energy market.
Image: Copyright AP Photo / Bela Szandelszky
