European Union negotiators have agreed on a definitive timetable to eliminate Russian gas from the bloc’s energy mix, marking one of the most far-reaching shifts in Europe’s energy policy in decades. The deal, reached in the early hours of Wednesday between representatives of EU governments and the European Parliament, locks in a phased halt to both liquefied natural gas (LNG) and pipeline gas imports, completing the transition by late 2027.
The agreement builds on proposals tabled by the European Commission in June and reflects the bloc’s ongoing efforts to unwind its longstanding dependence on Russian energy—a dependency that was thrown into crisis after Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Before the war, Russia supplied roughly 45% of EU gas. As of October this year, that share had fallen to about 12%, though several member states, including Hungary, France and Belgium, still receive Russian shipments.
Under the new schedule, LNG imports will cease by the end of 2026, while pipeline deliveries will end by September 30, 2027. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the move represents a decisive strategic break with Russia. “Today, we are stopping these imports permanently. By depleting Putin's war chest, we stand in solidarity with Ukraine and set our sights on new energy partnerships and opportunities for the sector,” she said.
The framework also differentiates between short- and long-term contracts. For short-term agreements signed before June 17 of this year, LNG restrictions begin on April 25, 2026, with pipeline gas ending on June 17, 2026. Long-term contracts concluded before that date face cut-off points at the start of 2027 for LNG and the start of October 2026 for pipeline gas. A one-month extension may be granted to countries that struggle to meet required gas storage levels.
All remaining Russian gas imports will be subject to prior authorisation—except where suppliers are located in major gas-producing countries that already prohibit or restrict Russian imports. Alongside the gas phase-out, the Commission plans to eliminate remaining Russian oil imports by the end of 2027, with a legislative proposal expected early next year.
To support the transition, EU member states must submit national diversification plans for oil and gas by March 1. These plans must also disclose any existing Russian gas contracts or national bans. The Commission will issue recommendations based on the submissions, paving the way for a coordinated, bloc-wide strategy to secure alternative supplies.
The agreement signals not only a geopolitical realignment but also a structural transformation in Europe’s energy landscape, accelerating investment in renewables, LNG terminals, and new partnerships with non-Russian suppliers as the bloc prepares for a post-Russian-gas era.