European Union countries on Monday gave final approval to a landmark law banning Russian gas imports by late 2027, cementing the bloc’s long-term plan to reduce reliance on Moscow’s energy supplies.
Ministers from EU nations endorsed the measure at a Brussels meeting, though Slovakia and Hungary voted against it. Hungary has indicated it will challenge the decision at the European Court of Justice, citing its heavy dependence on Russian energy.
The law, passed with a reinforced majority, allows the EU to proceed despite dissent from countries closely tied to Moscow. Under the agreement, the EU will stop importing Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) by the end of 2026 and Russian pipeline gas by 30 September 2027. A flexible deadline of 1 November 2027 is permitted if member states struggle to fill storage with alternative supplies ahead of winter.
Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moscow supplied over 40% of the EU’s gas. By 2025, that share had fallen to approximately 13%, reflecting the bloc’s rapid diversification of energy sources.
The ban marks a significant legal step in the EU’s ongoing efforts to secure energy independence and reduce the influence of Russia on European energy markets.
