EU Backs 2027 Exit From Russian Gas Imports

The European Parliament approved legislation to phase out Russian pipeline gas by 2027 and LNG by 2026, marking a major shift in Europe’s gas supply strategy amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

(Reuters) — The European Parliament on Dec. 17 approved the EU's plan to phase out Russian gas imports by late 2027, clearing the penultimate legal hurdle before the ban becomes law.

The EU agreed earlier this month on legislation to cut ties with Europe's former top gas supplier Russia, having vowed to do so after Moscow's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Lawmakers voted 500 in favor, 120 against and 32 abstained. The ban still requires formal approval by EU ministers, expected early next year. Officials expect countries to endorse the deal without changes.

The law is designed to be approved by a reinforced majority of countries, allowing it to overcome opposition from Hungary and Slovakia, who want to maintain close ties with Moscow.

Under the agreement, the EU will halt Russian liquefied natural gas imports by the end of 2026 and pipeline gas by the end of September 2027.

As of October, Russia accounted for 12% of EU gas imports, down from 45% before its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Hungary, France and Belgium are among the countries still receiving supplies.

The European Commission has said it will also propose legislation in early 2026 to phase out Russian oil imports.