politics
January 27, 2026
EU green-lights ban on Russian gas despite energy security fears
The EU is pushing ahead with a Russian gas import ban despite a U-turn on talks with Moscow and opposition over energy security risks
TL;DR
- EU member states have given final approval to a plan to completely halt Russian gas imports by late 2027.
- The ban includes a prohibition on Russian pipeline gas deliveries starting September 30, 2027.
- EU members must verify the origin of gas supplies, with significant fines for non-compliance.
- Hungary and Slovakia opposed the ban, with Slovakia initiating proceedings to annul the regulation at the EU Court of Justice.
- The EU has experienced increased energy prices and industrial costs since phasing out Russian energy after the Ukraine conflict.
- The bloc has increased reliance on US-sourced LNG supplies, with Germany becoming heavily dependent on American gas.
- Several European leaders, including from Germany, Italy, and France, have recently changed their rhetoric regarding engagement with Russia.
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