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EU chiefs support complete Russian gas prohibition
(MENAFN) The European Commission has put forward a plan to completely phase out Russian gas imports to the EU by the end of 2027. Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen announced the proposal on Tuesday, which includes banning new gas contracts with Russia starting in 2026, followed by a full phaseout a year later. The plan has been endorsed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The proposal faces opposition from Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, and reportedly Italy. These countries argue the move could lead to higher energy prices and threaten national sovereignty. Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto called the plan “absolute insanity,” while Prime Minister Viktor Orban has pledged to block it.
Jorgensen stated in Strasbourg that the EU aims to reduce reliance on Russian energy to increase security and independence, emphasizing that the phaseout is motivated by Russia’s use of energy as a geopolitical weapon, rather than the ongoing Ukraine conflict. He insisted that the ban will remain in place regardless of any peace developments.
The proposal will now proceed through the EU’s legislative process, needing approval from both the European Parliament and the Council. Unlike sanctions, it only requires the support of at least 15 out of 27 member states, representing 65% of the EU population, making it difficult for any single country to block it. Jorgensen warned that failure to comply would result in legal consequences.
Although pipeline gas flows from Russia have declined significantly since 2022, EU imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) have increased. In 2024, Russia supplied 17.5% of the EU’s LNG, second only to the US at 45.3%, with France, Spain, and Belgium accounting for the majority of these imports, according to industry data.
Russia maintains it remains a reliable supplier and condemns Western sanctions and trade restrictions as illegal under international law. The country has managed to redirect exports to friendly markets to offset losses.
The proposal faces opposition from Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, and reportedly Italy. These countries argue the move could lead to higher energy prices and threaten national sovereignty. Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto called the plan “absolute insanity,” while Prime Minister Viktor Orban has pledged to block it.
Jorgensen stated in Strasbourg that the EU aims to reduce reliance on Russian energy to increase security and independence, emphasizing that the phaseout is motivated by Russia’s use of energy as a geopolitical weapon, rather than the ongoing Ukraine conflict. He insisted that the ban will remain in place regardless of any peace developments.
The proposal will now proceed through the EU’s legislative process, needing approval from both the European Parliament and the Council. Unlike sanctions, it only requires the support of at least 15 out of 27 member states, representing 65% of the EU population, making it difficult for any single country to block it. Jorgensen warned that failure to comply would result in legal consequences.
Although pipeline gas flows from Russia have declined significantly since 2022, EU imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) have increased. In 2024, Russia supplied 17.5% of the EU’s LNG, second only to the US at 45.3%, with France, Spain, and Belgium accounting for the majority of these imports, according to industry data.
Russia maintains it remains a reliable supplier and condemns Western sanctions and trade restrictions as illegal under international law. The country has managed to redirect exports to friendly markets to offset losses.
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