EU finally breaks with Russian gas: full ban on LNG set for 2026

The European Union has adopted a landmark law to phase out Russian fossil fuel imports, aiming to end its long-standing dependence on Kremlin-controlled energy, according to the European Parliament's press release. MEPs approved a binding timeline for cutting off Russian pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas, while also pushing the European Commission to prepare legislation for a ban on oil imports.

Russian LNG banned from 2026, pipeline gas ends in 2027

The regulation, adopted on 17 December by the European Parliament, will ban spot-market Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) starting in early 2026. Imports of pipeline gas from Russia will be phased out by 30 September 2027. MEPs secured shorter timelines for most existing contracts during negotiations, fast-tracking the departure from Russian energy.

The legislation, already agreed upon with the European Council, passed the Parliament with 500 votes in favor, 120 against, and 32 abstentions. It now awaits formal endorsement by the Council before publication in the Official Journal.

The law introduces enforcement mechanisms, requiring EU member states to apply penalties to any operators that violate the rules. Importers must now present stricter and more detailed proof of the country of production for any gas before it can be imported or stored within the EU.

Oil ban legislation due in 2026

As part of the deal, the European Commission committed to presenting legislation to ban Russian oil and oil products in early 2026. The final ban must take effect as soon as possible and no later than late 2027. MEPs also pushed for tighter conditions under which any temporary suspension of the bans could be allowed, limiting them strictly to emergencies related to EU energy security.

To prevent circumvention of the law, the regulation mandates more rigorous verification of gas origin. Operators will now have to provide detailed evidence to customs authorities before imports or storage.

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MEPs hail "historic" shift in energy policy

Ville Niinistö, lead MEP for the Industry, Research and Energy Committee, said: 

“This is historic: the EU is taking a giant step towards a new era free of Russian gas and oil. Russia can never again use fossil fuel exports as a weapon against Europe.”

Inese Vaidere of the EPP, the lead MEP for the International Trade Committee, added:

“Today's vote sends a clear and powerful message: Europe will never again be dependent on Russian gas. This is a major achievement for the EU and a historic turning point in European energy policy.”

She highlighted that MEPs had strengthened the original European Commission proposal by bringing forward the end of long-term contracts, laying the path for an oil ban, and securing enforcement through penalties for non-compliance.

A week earlier, EU ambassadors had approved the gas phase-out plan. For full implementation, the final endorsement by energy ministers from member states is still pending.