Overview

• The Council endorsed a Commission proposal to phase out both pipeline and LNG imports from Russia starting in 2026 with a full ban targeted for January 1, 2028.
• The measure is framed as import restrictions adoptable by qualified majority, and Hungary and Slovakia voted against it.
• Transitional provisions give companies flexibility to manage existing contracts, including the option to invoke force majeure to exit deals extending beyond the target date.
• Administrative rules would ease imports from alternative suppliers while tightening requirements on Russian deliveries, with notifications due at least five days for alternatives and one month for Russian shipments.
• The text allows exemptions for countries proving they no longer import Russian gas, and the Danish Council presidency aims to reach a Parliament deal before year-end.