January 27, 2026
In a step considered the most important in efforts to get rid of dependence on Russian energy, European Union countries have categorically agreed to legislation requiring them to completely stop importing Russian gas by the end of 2027, which makes the commitment to sever ties with the former largest supplier legal.
According to the new legislation, which was approved during a ministerial meeting in Brussels, the time plan for withdrawal is divided into two phases:
-End of 2026: Deadline to stop importing Russian liquefied natural gas.
-September 2027: Deadline to stop the flow of gas through pipelines, with the possibility of extending until November 2027 only for countries facing difficulties in filling their reservoirs before winter.
Although the law was passed by the necessary majority (72%), it showed internal disagreement. Hungary and Slovakia opposed the resolution, while Bulgaria abstained from voting. Hungary explicitly announced that it would resort to the European Court of Justice to challenge this law, given its heavy dependence on Russian energy and its desire to maintain strong relations with Moscow.
Official statistics indicate a significant decline in Russia’s share of the European gas market. After Moscow was supplying the European Union with more than 40% of its needs before 2022, this percentage shrank to about 13% in 2025. This comprehensive ban aims to address the remaining gaps and limit the financing flowing to the Russian economy in light of the continuing war in Ukraine.
(Reuters)
