BRUSSELS — The Council of the European Union has approved a landmark proposal to phase out all Russian gas imports by 2028, marking a major milestone in the bloc’s effort to cut its energy dependence on Moscow.
In a statement issued Monday, the Council said the measure—part of the REPowerEU roadmap—introduces a gradual and legally binding ban covering both pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG). The full prohibition is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2028.
Under the framework, imports of Russian gas will stop from January 1, 2026, though some existing contracts will be allowed a limited transition period. Short-term contracts signed before June 17, 2025, may continue until June 17, 2026, while long-term agreements can remain valid until January 1, 2028.
The Council described the move as “a strong message of Europe’s resolve to build an independent and secure energy system” after years of instability caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Denmark’s Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities, Lars Aagaard, welcomed the agreement, saying an energy-independent Europe would also be a more secure Europe.
“Despite significant progress in cutting reliance on Russian oil and gas, we are not there yet,” Aagaard said. “This legislation marks a decisive step toward ending Russian energy imports completely.”
Under the proposal, all EU member states must prepare and submit national diversification plans outlining how they intend to source alternative gas supplies and the challenges they may face in doing so.
Countries that can demonstrate they no longer import Russian gas—either directly or indirectly—will be exempt from this requirement. A similar rule will apply to member states still importing Russian oil, with a goal of discontinuing those imports by January 1, 2028.
The new regulation also strengthens coordination and transparency across the bloc by expanding data-sharing between national authorities, the EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER), and the European Commission.
Additionally, the Council introduced a review clause requiring the European Commission to assess implementation within two years of the regulation’s entry into force. A temporary suspension mechanism was also included, allowing limited relaxation of the ban in cases of severe energy supply disruptions.
The Council presidency will now begin negotiations with the European Parliament to finalize the legislation once Parliament adopts its official position.
