EU Must Sever Russian Energy Ties, Says EU Energy Chief

(MENAFN) The European Union must take decisive action to sever all energy ties with Russia permanently, according to Dan Jorgensen, the EU’s Commissioner for Energy and Housing.

While most EU nations have already ceased direct imports of Russian oil and gas under sanctions imposed due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, Brussels is pushing for a comprehensive phase-out of Russian energy by 2027. This goal is part of the EU’s RePowerEU Roadmap, which also includes ending short-term gas contracts, halting new energy deals, restricting uranium imports, and cracking down on the so-called Russian "shadow fleet" of oil tankers reportedly used to circumvent sanctions.

Jorgensen, a vocal advocate for the initiative, emphasized the urgent need for the EU to solidify and adhere to this framework, regardless of future developments in Ukraine.

Jorgensen emphasized during a press conference in Copenhagen on Friday that the EU's goal is unmistakable: to end Russian energy imports as swiftly as possible. He added that, even with the restoration of peace, the EU should not resume purchasing Russian energy. In his view, once the agreement is finalized, the bloc should never again import any Russian energy.

Jorgensen's remarks come as the US has expressed strong support for the EU’s strategy. President Donald Trump called on European allies to take more aggressive action, criticizing the pace of peace talks in Ukraine. A trade deal between Washington and Brussels in July reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to replace Russian oil and gas with American LNG and nuclear fuel.

However, the EU’s push for a full energy phase-out has met resistance from Hungary and Slovakia, both of which remain highly dependent on Russian supplies. Hungary's Foreign Minister, Peter Szijjarto, has accused the EU of hypocrisy, pointing out that many member states continue to purchase Russian oil through intermediaries despite advocating for a total ban.

Jorgensen acknowledged these concerns, noting that discussions with Budapest and Bratislava are ongoing. Nevertheless, he affirmed that the plan could proceed without their support, as it only requires a qualified majority in the EU.

Moscow has condemned any moves to restrict its energy exports, deeming them illegal. The Russian government has warned that cutting off energy imports will only increase costs for the EU and weaken its economy, as the bloc would be forced to rely on more expensive alternatives or resort to indirect imports of Russian oil.

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