EU to phase out Russian gas imports by 2028

European Union energy ministers meeting in Luxembourg on Monday agreed on a negotiating position to phase out Russian natural gas imports, setting a step-by-step timetable that aims to end most flows by the end of 2027 with remaining long-term supplies to be cut in early 2028. The Council approved the European Commission's plan to ban both pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas from Russia, subject to approval by the European Parliament.

Under the agreed timetable, imports under new contracts would be barred from January 1, 2026. Supplies under short-term contracts will be allowed during a transition period until June 17 next year, while long-term contract flows would be phased out by January 1, 2028, effectively completing the phase-out in the first days of 2028. The text includes specific flexibilities for member states that rely heavily on Russian pipeline deliveries, notably Hungary and Slovakia, which did not support the move.

The measure is part of the EU's broader REPowerEU effort to reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels after Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Brussels estimates Russian gas still accounts for roughly 13 percent of the bloc's gas imports...