European Union countries on Monday approved a landmark law in Brussels to ban imports of Russian gas by late 2027, making legally binding their pledge to cut energy ties with Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine.
The decision was adopted by a reinforced majority, overriding opposition from Hungary and Slovakia, while Bulgaria abstained, reflecting continued divisions among member states still reliant on Russian supplies.
Under the agreement, the EU will halt imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) by the end of 2026 and pipeline gas by September 30, 2027, with a possible extension to November 2027 if storage levels are at risk.
The ban aims to reduce funding for Russia’s wartime economy and align the bloc’s energy policy with its political and military support for Ukraine.
Russia once supplied over 40% of EU gas before 2022, but that share had fallen to about 13% by 2025, according to EU data.
The law prohibits companies from signing new Russian gas contracts and requires existing deals to be terminated within set deadlines.
Short-term contracts signed before June 17, 2025, will end in 2026, while long-term contracts must be phased out by 2027.
Companies that fail to comply face penalties of up to 3.5% of their global annual turnover.
Despite earlier sanctions on Russian oil, gas imports had not previously been targeted due to the need for unanimous approval.
The European Commission plans further legislation to phase out Russian pipeline oil and reduce dependence on Russian nuclear fuel.