Overview

• The plan bans new contracts and spot-market purchases by year-end 2025, with all long-term agreements set to expire by the end of 2027 under EU regulation.
• Russian gas accounted for 19% of the bloc’s imports in 2024, and the measure aims to cut one of the last major revenue streams to Moscow.
• Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen says the phase-out will roll out in coordination with member states to maintain supply security.
• Hungary and Slovakia have signaled opposition to full import sanctions, complicating the need for unanimous EU Council approval.
• Companies like SEFE still import Russian LNG under binding long-term contracts and warn of potential legal challenges if forced to exit early.