Overview

• The European Commission formally proposed banning all new Russian gas contracts from January 1, 2026, as the first step in its phase-out plan.
• Existing short-term supply agreements must be terminated by June 17, 2026, while long-term contracts will end by December 31, 2027.
• Member states are required to submit national diversification plans by March 1, 2026, detailing alternatives to reduce reliance on Russian energy.
• By using a legislative approach adoptable by qualified majority, Brussels aims to sidestep vetoes from Hungary and Slovakia.
• A new tracing and control system will monitor Russian gas flows on EU markets to prevent circumvention of the ban.