Eu energy ban : EU Passes Legislation Blocking Russian Gas Supplies

Eu energy ban : On Monday, the European Union’s 27 member states formally enacted a policy to phase out Russian imports of pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) into the EU.

According to a statement released by the EU Council, the new rules include measures for effective monitoring and diversification of energy supplies.

Timeline for Russian Gas and LNG Ban

The regulation prohibits the import of Russian pipeline gas and LNG into the EU.

“The ban will take effect six weeks after the regulation is enacted. Existing contracts will undergo a transition period. This step-by-step approach will limit the impact on markets and prices. A complete prohibition on LNG imports will go into effect in early 2027, and pipeline gas imports in the autumn of 2027, according to the statement.

It further stated that before authorizing gas imports into the Union, EU members will check the country where the gas was generated.

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Penalties for Violating EU Energy Ban Rules

Noncompliance with the new standards could result in maximum penalties of at least EUR 2.5 million for individuals and at least EUR 40 million for businesses, at least 3.5% of the company’s total worldwide annual revenue, or 300% of the expected transaction turnover, according to the statement.

EU Countries Asked to Submit Diversification Plans

It further stated that “by March 1, 2026, EU countries must prepare national plans to diversify gas supplies and identify potential challenges in replacing Russian gas.” To that purpose, corporations will be compelled to notify authorities and the Commission about any existing Russian gas contracts. “EU countries that continue to import Russian oil will be required to submit diversification plans.”

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Emergency Clause in EU Energy Ban

However, in the event of a proclaimed emergency and a substantial threat to supply security in one or more EU nations, the Commission may suspend the import ban for up to four weeks, according to the statement.

According to Michael Damianos, Cyprus’s Minister for Energy, Commerce, and Industry, the decision will make the EU energy market “stronger, more resilient, and more diversified,” as well as move the EU closer to an independent energy union.

The statement also stated that the Commission intends to propose legislation that will phase out Russian oil imports by the end of 2027.

In a post on X, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola stated, “We have just signed the Russian gas ban into law.” Europe is gaining control of its energy supplies and increasing its autonomy.”

We have just signed the ban on Russian gas into law.

Europe is securing control of our energy supply and strengthening our autonomy. pic.twitter.com/QVxX640ybd

— Roberta Metsola (@EP_President) January 26, 2026

EU Remains World’s Largest LNG Importer

The ban on Russian gas has now been passed into law.

The decision comes as the EU maintains its position as the world’s largest LNG importer. In 2024, the EU will import more than 100 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas. France, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, and Belgium are the EU’s five major LNG importers.

While gas and oil imports from Russia to the EU have both declined dramatically in recent years. According to the official statement, while oil imports have plummeted to less than 3% in 2025 as a result of the present sanctions system, Russian gas is still expected to account for 13% of EU imports in 2025, worth more than EUR15 billion annually.

“This leaves the EU exposed to significant risks in terms of its trade and energy security” , the report stated.