European Union Definitively Adopts Ban on Russian Gas Imports by 2027
European Union member countries have approved the plan to ban Russian gas imports. Hungary and Slovakia voted against this measure aimed at ending energy dependence on Moscow.
| Countries | Hongrie, Russie, Slovaquie, Ukraine |
|---|---|
| Companies | Union Européenne |
| Sector | Gaz |
| Theme | Politique & Géopolitique |
Ministers from European Union (EU) countries approved the ban on Russian gas imports during a meeting in Brussels. This decision allows the measure to enter into force. The policy makes legally binding the EU’s commitment to sever ties with its former top gas supplier, nearly four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Opposition from Budapest and Bratislava
Slovakia and Hungary voted against this legislation. Hungary indicated it would take the case to the European Court of Justice. Both countries remain heavily reliant on Russian energy imports and wish to maintain close ties with Moscow. The reinforced majority approval mechanism allowed the measure to overcome their opposition.
Implementation Timeline
Under the adopted agreement, the EU will halt Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports by the end of 2026. Pipeline gas imports will cease on September 30, 2027. However, the legislation provides flexibility: this deadline can be pushed back to November 1, 2027 at the latest if a country faces difficulties filling its storage caverns with non-Russian supplies ahead of the winter heating season.
Decline in Russian Market Share
Russia supplied more than 40% of the gas consumed by the EU before the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine. This share dropped to around 13% in 2025, according to the latest available EU data. This development reflects the supply diversification efforts undertaken by member states since 2022. The legal formalization of this ban marks a milestone in the reconfiguration of the European gas market.
