EU member states agree to end Russian gas imports by end of 2027
EU member states have agreed to phase out all imports of Russian natural gas by the end of 2027, marking a major step in the bloc's efforts to end its energy dependence on Moscow. The deal, announced on Monday under Denmark's rotating EU presidency, does not include a ban on servicing Russian companies at LNG terminals.
The agreement follows a European Commission proposal from June to end Russian gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports by 1 January 2028. New contracts for Russian gas will be banned from 2026, with imports under short-term contracts ending by June that year and long-term contracts phased out by December 2027.
Belgian compromise
The Council removed articles on banning services to Russian companies at LNG terminals. Some member states, including Belgium, feared it could be overturned by the European Court of Justice if challenged by dissenting member states. Federal Energy minister Mathieu Bihet stressed the need for a "legally strong text in line with international law."
This compromise is of great significance to Belgium. Fluxys, the operator of the Zeebrugge LNG terminal, still has a long-term contract with Russia's Yamal project. Fluxys has previously warned that a sudden ban could cause market disruption, while Belgian diplomats cautioned that it could lead to supply insecurity.
On Monday, Belgium thanked the Denmark presidency "for their tireless efforts in delivering a REPowerEU agreement in the Council that is ambitious, enforceable and robust. This is a crucial step towards ending our dependence on Russian gas," the country's permanent representation to the EU wrote on X.
Some opposition
The approval was not unanimous: Hungary and Slovakia, both heavily reliant on Russian energy, voted against the proposal, arguing it will impact their economies and energy security. European energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen said the European Commission would "help all countries, including those that do not support the proposal" to diversify their energy sources.
The Council and the European Parliament still need to agree on the final text. Those negotiations are expected to begin soon, as Denmark hopes to reach a final agreement before the end of the year. The agreement only requires a qualified majority, meaning that Hungary and Slovakia cannot block it on their own.
The Fluxys terminal in Zeebrugge. © BELGA PHOTO KURT DESPLENTER
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