EU Approves 2027 Ban on All Russian Gas, Sets Faster LNG Phaseout

The European Union has formally agreed to end all imports of Russian gas by 2027. This decision finalizes a key part of the bloc's strategy to stop funding Russia's war in Ukraine. The plan includes a complete ban on pipeline gas. It also sets earlier phaseout dates for Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) and for short-term supply contracts. LNG is natural gas that is cooled into liquid form for shipping. The EU will now require member countries to stop buying Russian LNG sooner than 2027. Contracts for gas that are not long-term will also face an accelerated ban. This agreement strengthens energy sanctions first imposed after Russia's 2022 invasion. The EU has already drastically reduced its reliance on Russian pipeline gas, which has fallen from 40% of imports to under 10%. The binding 2027 deadline provides certainty for European governments and energy companies. It allows them to plan further investments in alternative suppliers and renewable energy sources.