The European Parliament has finally officially approved the gradual phasing out of Russian gas imports by the end of 2027, following a corresponding agreement with the EU Council, the European institution announced on December 17, UNN writes.
Imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) on the spot market will be banned in the EU after the regulation comes into force in early 2026, while pipeline gas imports will be gradually phased out by September 30, 2027.
During the negotiations, EU lawmakers, as indicated, "accelerated the deadlines for phasing out imports for most import contracts." The new legislation, it is noted, also establishes penalties that member states of the bloc must apply to operators for violations.
The legislation, which had already been agreed with the EU Council, was adopted in the European Parliament with 500 votes "for", 120 "against" and 32 "abstentions". It now has to be officially approved by the EU Council before publication in the Official Journal of the EU.
Preparation for the oil import ban
During negotiations with the Danish Presidency of the EU Council, MEPs "insisted on a ban on all imports of Russian oil and secured a commitment from the European Commission to present legislation on this issue in early 2026, so that an effective ban could enter into force as soon as possible, but no later than the end of 2027."
MEPs also insisted "on stricter conditions under which a temporary suspension of the import ban may occur, in emergency situations related to the EU's energy security."
"To close loopholes and reduce the risk of circumvention of the rules, operators will have to provide customs authorities with stricter and more detailed evidence of the country of origin of their gas before it is imported or stored," the statement said.
Ukraine's reaction
"I am grateful to Roberta Metsola and the MEPs for the decision to break ties with Russian energy. Oil is the blood of Russia's war machine, gas is its poisonous breath. Only a Europe free of both can be truly safe," said Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, reacting to the decision on social media.