The European Union has reached a landmark agreement to completely phase out imports of Russian natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) by January 1, 2028, marking a decisive move to sever the bloc’s remaining energy ties with Moscow.

Following a meeting of EU energy ministers in Luxembourg, the EU Council announced that member states had unanimously endorsed a draft regulation committing to a legally binding ban on Russian gas imports. The measure, which will now proceed to negotiations with the European Parliament, is part of the bloc’s ongoing efforts to achieve full energy independence and respond to Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Under the plan, the phase-out will occur in several stages. New contracts for Russian gas will be prohibited beginning January 1, 2026. Existing short-term agreements must end by June 17, 2026, and all long-term import contracts will be fully terminated by January 1, 2028.

“The proposed regulation introduces a legally binding and gradual ban on Russian pipeline gas and LNG imports, ensuring the EU’s full disconnection from Russian fossil energy sources,” the EU Council said in a statement.

Officials emphasized that the timeline allows member states to diversify their supply networks and expand renewable energy production without compromising stability. However, limited exemptions will be granted to landlocked countries facing acute supply constraints to allow a smoother transition.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the EU has cut its dependency on Russian energy from more than 40% of total gas imports to less than 10%. The new regulation marks the final stage of this effort, complementing the broader REPowerEU initiative aimed at accelerating renewable investment and infrastructure resilience.

Energy analysts describe the move as both an economic and geopolitical milestone. “This is the end of an era in Europe’s energy history,” said one Brussels-based analyst. “The EU is not only closing the door on Russian gas — it’s redefining its entire energy strategy around autonomy, security, and sustainability.”

If approved by the European Parliament, the regulation will come into force in early 2026, setting the EU on a definitive path to eliminate all Russian gas imports by 2028. (ILKHA)