The EU shuts down Russian gas, stopping new contracts from January

Brussels (ANSA) – The European Commission is accelerating the stop to Russian gas and launching its tightening in three phases to end imports by the end of 2027: from January 1, 2026, it will be prohibited to sign new contracts, existing short-term agreements must end by June 17, 2026, while long-term agreements must conclude by December 31, 2027. There is also an exemption for landlocked countries – such as Hungary and Slovakia – which will be allowed to continue importing Russian gas until the end of 2027.

The proposal follows the roadmap published in early May to cut energy dependence on Moscow – in line with the RePowerEu plan – and focuses on gas, LNG, and oil, while an intervention on Russian nuclear energy is expected at a later stage. According to data from the Commission led by Ursula von der Leyen, in 2024 imports of Russian gas rose again, reaching 54 billion cubic meters (32 via pipeline and 20 in LNG), before dropping to about 35 billion, equivalent to 12% of the total EU.

One third of the active agreements with Russia have a duration of less than 12 months – thus qualifying as short-term contracts – while the remaining two thirds are long-term. To monitor compliance with the ban, Brussels proposes new transparency obligations: companies will have to report to national and EU authorities details about contracts, volumes, suppliers, and countries of origin of the gas.

In case of risks to European supply, the Commission may authorize temporary exemptions to the ban on importing natural gas or LNG. The 2027 target also concerns Russian oil, from which Hungary and Slovakia still depend for 80% of their supplies.

To circumvent the vetoes of Budapest and Bratislava, Brussels has chosen to base its initiative on EU commercial law, which allows for the adoption of measures by qualified majority and thus avoids the requirement of unanimity. The proposal will now have to be reviewed by member states and the European Parliament (June 17).