Overview

• The European Union has committed to phasing out all Russian oil, gas, and nuclear imports by 2027 as part of its strategy to reduce dependence on Moscow.
• A two-phase plan proposes banning new Russian gas contracts by the end of 2025 and eliminating all existing imports by 2027.
• Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico has rejected the plan, citing economic harm and a long-term gas contract with Russia that extends to 2034.
• The European Commission's legal proposals, due in June, will require approval from the European Parliament and a qualified majority of member states, limiting the ability of individual countries to block the plan.
• Russian LNG and pipeline gas imports into the EU rose by 18% in 2024, with France increasing its LNG imports by 81%, highlighting ongoing challenges in cutting energy ties with Russia.