On Monday, the member countries of the European Union finalized their agreement to eliminate all imports of Russian pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas by 2027.

The plan is to cease imports of Russian liquefied natural gas by the end of 2026, followed by a prohibition on pipeline gas starting on September 30, 2027. This initiative is part of the EU’s larger strategy to cut off a crucial funding source for Russia’s military actions in Ukraine.

The measure, referred to as REPowerEU, was approved with a qualified majority of 24 votes in favor and 2 against, while Bulgaria chose to abstain. Hungary and Slovakia opposed the proposal, with Budapest indicating it may contest the ruling in the Court of Justice of the European Union.

According to a statement from the Council of the European Union, member states are required to submit their plans for diversifying energy sources by March 1, 2026, specifying how they intend to replace Russian gas imports and mitigate potential risks.

The prohibition is set to commence in March, allowing existing contracts to remain effective during a transitional phase. The Council noted, “This phased approach will help minimize the impact on market prices and stability.”

In cases where a member state experiences severe gas shortages and declares an emergency, the restrictions may be temporarily suspended for up to four weeks.

Nevertheless, despite ongoing efforts to lessen reliance on Russia, the EU imported 13% of its gas from the country in 2025, which poses what officials have described as “significant” risks to trade and energy security. In contrast, imports of Russian oil dropped to below 3% last year.

The European Commission is currently working on additional legislation aimed at completely phasing out Russian oil imports by the close of 2027.