European Union countries on Monday gave final approval to legislation that will ban Russian gas imports by late 2027, turning their political pledge into a legally binding commitment nearly four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Ministers endorsed the law during a meeting in Brussels, although Slovakia and Hungary voted against the measure and Bulgaria chose to abstain.
The decision marks a major step in the EU’s effort to end its dependence on Russian energy. However, divisions remain within the bloc, as some countries continue to rely heavily on Russian supplies and maintain closer ties with Moscow. Hungary has already announced it will challenge the law at the European Court of Justice, arguing that the ban undermines its national energy security.
New Law Sets Clear Deadlines for Ending Russian Gas
The legislation was designed to pass through a reinforced majority, which allowed it to overcome opposition from Hungary and Slovakia. Under the approved framework, EU member states will halt imports of Russian liquefied natural gas by the end of 2026. In addition, countries must stop importing Russian pipeline gas by September 30, 2027. The law allows a limited extension until November 1, 2027, if a country struggles to fill gas storage facilities with non-Russian supplies before winter.
Before 2022, Russia supplied more than 40% of the EU’s gas. That share fell to around 13% in 2025, according to the latest EU data. Nevertheless, several member states still purchase Russian oil, pipeline gas, and LNG, which critics say undermines efforts to support Ukraine and limit funding for Russia’s wartime economy.
Stricter Rules Target Contracts and Corporate Compliance
The law bans companies from signing new Russian gas contracts and obliges firms with existing agreements to terminate them. Imports under short-term contracts signed before June 17, 2025, will end in April 2026 for LNG and June 2026 for pipeline gas. Long-term contracts must conclude by the final 2027 deadlines.
Last month, the five largest EU importers spent $1.66 billion on Russian energy, with Hungary ranking as the biggest buyer. Companies that fail to comply could face fines of up to 3.5% of their global annual turnover. Meanwhile, the European Commission plans to propose further legislation to phase out Russian oil and reduce dependence on Russian nuclear fuel.
