EU to End All Russian Gas Imports by 2027 Key Deadlines, Motives and Impacts

EU Finalises Plan to Phase Out Russian Natural Gas Imports by 2027

The European Union has formally agreed to a phased ban on all Russian natural gas imports, marking one of the bloc’s most consequential energy policy decisions in recent decades. The announcement underscores Europe’s determination to sever strategic dependence on Moscow, especially after years of heightened tensions and supply disruptions linked to the Russia–Ukraine conflict.

A Compromise Between Parliament and Member States

The agreement represents a middle ground between the European Parliament, which demanded a faster cutoff, and member states that cautioned against jeopardising energy stability. The European Council confirmed a provisional timeline that will eliminate both pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports within the next two years. Final endorsement is expected from both EU institutions in the coming months.

Clear Deadlines for Both Pipeline Gas and LNG

The phase-out framework distinguishes between long-term and short-term contracts:

• Long-term pipeline gas contracts will end no later than 1 November 2027 .

• Long-term LNG contracts will be prohibited from 1 January 2027 .

• Short-term LNG deals will cease from 25 April 2026 .

• Short-term pipeline gas contracts will be banned from 17 June 2026 .

These timelines aim to allow markets, industries and member states to adjust while ensuring that Russia cannot exploit energy supplies for political leverage.

Strategic and Geopolitical Rationale

European leaders describe the move as essential to safeguarding the bloc’s long-term security. Russia has repeatedly curtailed supplies during geopolitical disputes, prompting the EU to diversify energy sources, build LNG infrastructure and accelerate renewable deployment. The ban also reinforces Europe’s broader climate and strategic autonomy goals.

Exam Oriented Facts

• EU to end long-term Russian pipeline gas imports by 1 November 2027 .

• Long-term LNG contracts end 1 January 2027 .

• Short-term bans: April 2026 (LNG) and June 2026 (pipeline gas) .

• Motivation: Russia’s “weaponisation” of energy during the Ukraine conflict.

Debate Over Frozen Russian Assets for Ukraine

In parallel, the EU is weighing options to channel profits from frozen Russian sovereign funds into Ukraine’s recovery efforts. One proposal includes issuing an EU-backed loan secured by immobilised Russian central bank assets. Belgium has raised legal questions—given that most assets are held at Euroclear—but discussions continue as Europe seeks a legally robust mechanism to support Kyiv without destabilising financial markets.