eu-to-ban-all-russian-energy-imports-from-2028

The European Union countries have agreed to ban all Russian energy imports from January 1, 2028, after voting in favour of a European Commission proposal on the same.

 

Energy ministers from nearly all EU member states voted in support of the draft regulation, which applies to both pipeline oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), during a meeting in Luxembourg held on October 20.

 

The regulation forms a key part of the EU’s REPowerEU roadmap to end dependency on Russian energy, following “Russia’s weaponisation of gas supplies” and “repeated disruptions of gas supplies to the EU with significant effects on the European energy market,” according to a statement by the European Council.

 

The Council confirmed that imports of Russian gas will be prohibited from January 2026, while maintaining a transition period for existing short-term contracts from June 2026. Long-term contracts may continue until January 1, 2028.

 

Lars Aagaard, Energy Minister of Denmark, which currently holds the EU’s rotating presidency, called the proposal a “crucial” step towards European energy independence.

 

“Although we have worked hard and pushed to get Russian gas and oil out of Europe in recent years, we are not there yet,” Aagaard said. “Therefore, it is crucial that the Danish Presidency has secured overwhelming support from Europe’s energy ministers for the legislation that will definitively ban Russian gas from entering the EU,” he added.

 

Negotiations are set to begin with the European Parliament to agree on the final text of the regulation.

 

Following the Russia–Ukraine war, EU leaders agreed in the Versailles Declaration of March 2022 to phase out dependency on Russian fossil fuels as soon as possible.

 

As a result, gas and oil imports from Russia to the EU have both declined significantly in recent years. However, while imports of oil have dropped to below 3 per cent in 2025, Russian gas still accounts for an estimated 13 per cent of EU imports in 2025.

 

This, the European Council explained, leaves the EU exposed to significant risks in terms of trade and energy security. To address this vulnerability, in May 2025, the Commission adopted the REPowerEU roadmap to ensure a phased approach to ending Russian energy imports and strengthening the EU’s energy independence and security.

 

In June 2025, the Commission presented a proposal focusing on the gradual phasing out of the remaining pipeline gas and LNG, with a full prohibition by 1 January 1, 2028.

 

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on 20 October, as foreign ministers from member countries gathered in Luxembourg, that “Russia only negotiates when put under pressure” and that the EU is working towards adopting its 19th package of sanctions.

 

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council, Kallas said, “We see President Trump’s efforts to bring peace to Ukraine. Of course, all these efforts are welcome, but we don’t see Russia really wanting peace. Russia only understands strength and only negotiates when it is really forced to. So right now, we don’t see it yet.”

 

“Ukraine has been ready for an unconditional ceasefire since February, but Russia has no genuine interest in peace. We all support President Trump’s efforts to end the war, but Putin will only negotiate seriously if he thinks he is losing,” Kallas said in remarks after the meeting of European foreign ministers.

 

In response to a question about President Trump’s efforts to stop the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the EU’s top diplomat said Ukraine should not have to give up territory as part of a peace deal with Russia.

 

“Everybody says territorial integrity is an important value that we stand for. And I think we have to stick to that, because if we just give away the territories, then this sends a message to everyone that you can simply use force against your neighbours and get what you want. I think this is very dangerous. That is why we have international law to prevent this,” Kallas said.

 

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She also said EU ministers are working to tighten enforcement against Russia’s “shadow fleet”, a network of vessels allegedly helping Moscow bypass Western oil-export restrictions.

 

“We are discussing with member states how to coordinate our actions regarding the shadow fleet better. We need to be more creative because they are also creative in bypassing these measures,” she added.

 

US President Donald Trump, in his speech at the UN General Assembly, accused NATO countries of continuing to use Russian gas and oil and “funding a war against themselves.”

 

Kallas was asked on Monday about President Trump meeting with Putin without Zelensky and whether she believes Trump is a reliable partner for Europe.

 

“I think President Trump is sincere in trying to end this war. That is very clear. We also want to end this war. Ukrainians definitely want to end this war. The one who does not want to end this war is Russia. We should not be distracted. Our course here is very clear. Our point is that we have to make Russia also want peace, and that is why we are working to convince our allies around the world that nothing can come out of these meetings if Ukraine or Europe are not part of them,” Kallas said.