EU to Propose Ban on New Russian Gas Agreements, Phase Out Existing Deals

In a significant move to reduce energy dependence on Moscow, the European Union is set to unveil a comprehensive plan on Tuesday aimed at ending all imports of Russian fossil fuels by 2027.

According to three EU officials who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, the European Commission will release a detailed roadmap outlining the bloc’s strategy to cut ties with Russian gas — both pipeline and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The roadmap, which is still subject to final revisions, will include two major commitments:

1. Ban on New Russian Gas Deals by End of 2025:
   The EU plans to propose, by June, legislation that will prohibit all new long-term contracts and spot purchases of Russian gas. This move is designed to immediately halt the expansion of energy ties with Moscow, especially in light of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
2. Complete Phase-Out of Existing Contracts by End of 2027:
   In a bold step, the roadmap also commits to legally ending all current contracts for Russian gas imports by 2027. This includes both pipeline supplies and liquefied natural gas agreements that are already in force.

The announcement reflects a broader EU strategy to boost energy security, diversify supply sources, and accelerate the green transition amid geopolitical tensions.

READ ALSO: Global Markets Stay Cautious as U.S. Tariff Fears Resurface and Asian Currencies Rally

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the bloc has been working steadily to reduce its energy dependency on the Kremlin, slashing imports of coal and oil, and now aiming to fully eliminate gas imports as well.

This latest measure could significantly impact European utility companies, some of which still hold long-term gas contracts with Russian suppliers like Gazprom. It also signals the EU’s determination to align its energy policies with both its climate goals and geopolitical stance.

While the roadmap has not yet been made public and details could still change, it marks one of the EU’s most aggressive efforts to date in cutting economic ties with Russia and reshaping the continent’s energy landscape.