EU Reaches Agreement to Ban Russian Gas Imports

Representatives of European Union member states and the European Parliament have reached a compromise deal to halt all imports of Russian natural gas into the bloc by 2027.

The agreement is part of Europe’s effort to cut off reliance on Russian energy supplies, a dependence that became more contentious following Russia’s use of energy as a political tool. According to officials, the regulation will phase out long-term pipeline gas contracts no later than November 2027 and end long-term arrangements for liquefied natural gas (LNG) by January 2027.

Short-term purchases will also be restricted earlier, with LNG and pipeline gas facing phased bans from 2026. The timeline still requires final ratification by EU lawmakers and member governments.

The move is intended to stabilise Europe’s energy environment, shield the region from future supply disruptions, and push member states toward alternative energy sources.