EU moves to ban Russian gas imports by 2027

[EUROPE] The European Union is preparing to propose a ban on Russian natural gas imports by the end of 2027, as the bloc intensifies efforts to cut ties with what was once its largest energy supplier.

The move would represent a major escalation in the EU’s economic response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, expanding on previous sanctions that targeted coal and oil. Although the EU has significantly curbed its dependence on Russian energy since 2022, natural gas has remained a critical exception due to its widespread use in heating and industry across member states.

Officials familiar with the discussions say the plan aligns with the EU’s longstanding goal to phase out Russian fossil fuels. The release of a formal “road map” had been delayed earlier this year, in part to evaluate the impact of U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to bring the conflict to a close.

Experts view the 2027 timeline as feasible, providing member states with sufficient time to diversify energy sources. Alternatives include increased imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States and Qatar, alongside expanded investments in renewable energy infrastructure. However, some Eastern European nations, still heavily reliant on Russian pipeline gas, have raised concerns over the potential for economic disruption.

Russian gas supplies to Europe have plummeted since Moscow’s full-scale invasion in 2022, yet Russia remains a notable supplier, primarily via a pipeline through Turkey and continued LNG shipments.

In recent years, Moscow has sought to bypass EU restrictions by redirecting gas flows through countries such as Turkey and Serbia, complicating enforcement. The upcoming proposal is expected to include tighter monitoring and certification requirements to curb these circumvention tactics.

European gas prices, which soared in the immediate aftermath of the war’s outbreak, have since stabilized due to a milder winter and high storage levels. Still, analysts caution that a complete phase-out of Russian gas could spark renewed market volatility, especially if global LNG demand continues to rise.

Beyond energy considerations, the proposal underscores the EU’s broader strategic aim of reducing dependence on geopolitical rivals. Officials say the shift is not only about bolstering energy security but also accelerating the bloc’s transition toward climate neutrality, as renewable capacity continues to expand.