EU Leaders Declare New Era, Permanently Cut Energy Ties with Russia

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced a definitive end to the European Union's reliance on Russian energy. She stated that the 27-nation bloc has now agreed to sever these ties permanently. "This is the dawn of a new era, an era of Europe's full energy independence from Russia," von der Leyen said. The decision marks a strategic shift for the EU, which once imported a large share of its gas and oil from Russia. The move to cut these energy links is a direct consequence of Russia's war in Ukraine. The agreement commits EU member states to a future without Russian fossil fuels. This will require continued investment in alternative energy sources and suppliers.