EU reaches deal to end Russian gas imports by 2027

The European Union has agreed to completely phase out Russian gas imports by 2027, taking a major step toward ending its energy dependence on Moscow and cutting off one of the Kremlin’s key revenue streams for its war in Ukraine.

Under the deal reached late Tuesday, EU lawmakers approved a ban on Russian pipeline gas by the end of 2026 and liquefied natural gas (LNG) by mid-2027. Exceptions will apply to Hungary and Slovakia, which may continue purchasing Russian gas in the event of supply disruptions.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the agreement a “historic moment” for the bloc.

“Last night we reached a provisional agreement on the Commission's proposal to fully phase out Russian fossil fuels. We are turning that page and we are turning it for good. This is the dawn of a new era — the era of Europe’s full energy independence from Russia,” she said.

Von der Leyen noted that Russian gas imports — both pipeline and LNG — have dropped from 45% at the start of the war to just 13% today. Coal imports have fallen from 55% to zero, and crude oil from 26% to 2%. These changes align with the EU’s REPowerEU strategy aimed at securing long-term energy independence.

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković also commented on the decision while attending the Grand Continent Summit in Italy’s Aosta Valley, where European leaders and analysts are discussing the war in Ukraine and Europe’s geopolitical role.

“The intention at the EU level is to stop importing Russian oil and gas. Those who still must import smaller quantities for real needs will have to present concrete plans by the end of 2026 on how and when they will diversify their supply routes,” Plenković said.

As most European countries have turned to alternative energy suppliers, Plenković said the shift underscored the importance of Croatia's decision to build the LNG terminal in Omišalj.