EU energy Commissioner says EU has to cut off Russian energy imports

2025-09-08 08:38:16

(MENAFN) The European Union should completely cut off Russian energy imports on a permanent basis, EU Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jorgensen has asserted.

While most member states have already stopped direct imports of Russian oil and gas under sanctions related to the Ukraine war, Brussels continues to push for a full exit from Russian energy by 2027 as part of its RePowerEU Roadmap. The strategy includes ending spot gas contracts, halting new deals, restricting uranium imports, and targeting the so-called Russian “shadow fleet” of oil tankers reportedly used to bypass sanctions.

Jorgensen, a long-time supporter of the plan, stressed the importance of a firm EU agreement and maintaining it even after the Ukraine conflict ends.

“For us the objective is very, very clear. We want to stop the import as fast as possible,” he said in Copenhagen on Friday. “And in the future, even when there is peace, we should still not import Russian energy… In my opinion, we will never again import as much as one molecule of Russian energy once this agreement is made.”

He also noted that the United States supports the EU’s strategy. President Donald Trump, frustrated by slow Ukraine peace talks, urged European allies on Thursday to cut off Russian energy imports. The July trade agreement between Washington and Brussels included a commitment for the EU to replace Russian oil and gas with American LNG and nuclear fuel.

Hungary and Slovakia, both highly reliant on Russian energy, have strongly opposed the phase-out, warning it could threaten energy security and drive up prices. On Friday, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto accused the EU of “hypocrisy,” arguing that several members continue to buy Russian crude through intermediaries while advocating for a full ban. Jorgensen said discussions are ongoing with Budapest and Bratislava but emphasized that the plan could pass without their approval, as it only requires a qualified majority.

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