Bloomberg reports EU weighs complete prohibition on Russian gas
The European Commission is reportedly preparing to introduce legislation aimed at phasing out all imports of Russian pipeline and liquefied natural gas (LNG) by the end of 2027, as reported by Bloomberg on Monday. Following the escalation of...
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The European Commission is reportedly preparing to introduce legislation aimed at phasing out all imports of Russian pipeline and liquefied natural gas (LNG) by the end of 2027, as reported by Bloomberg on Monday.
Following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, the EU has intensified its efforts to reduce energy imports from its former biggest supplier. While there has been a marked decrease in volumes, Russia continues to be a significant gas source for the bloc through pipelines via Turkey and LNG shipments.
Sources indicate that in June, the EU plans to propose a ban on any new Russian gas contracts and spot purchases, with these measures expected to take effect by the end of the year. Furthermore, the Commission is anticipated to adopt measures next month to phase out the remaining Russian pipeline gas and LNG linked to long-term contracts, although a transition period extending to the end of 2027 will be necessary. The plans set to be presented in Strasbourg on Tuesday are still subject to modification, according to insiders.
The idea of banning Russian LNG was previously discussed during negotiations for the EU’s 16th sanctions package, which was adopted in February 2025 but was ultimately dropped due to dissent from various member states.
France, Spain, and Belgium continue to import large volumes of Russian LNG, accounting for 85% of Europe’s LNG imports from the sanctioned nation, as noted by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis.
While pipeline gas flows from Russia have decreased significantly since 2022, imports of Russian LNG to the EU have risen sharply. In 2024, Russia was responsible for 17.5% of the bloc’s LNG imports, ranking second after the US, which held a 45.3% market share.
Implementing the proposed ban could potentially facilitate increased US LNG exports, according to Bloomberg sources. The US has consistently encouraged the EU to diminish its dependence on Russian energy, referring to American LNG as “molecules of freedom.”
Yet, a recent report from Reuters mentioned that banning Russian LNG might weaken the EU's negotiating position in trade discussions with the US, where Brussels is aiming to leverage energy imports to negotiate lower tariffs on EU goods.
Simultaneously, some leaders in the EU industrial sector have advocated for a return to more affordable Russian gas in light of an escalating manufacturing crisis.
Russia continues to assert itself as a dependable energy supplier and has condemned Western sanctions and trade restrictions affecting its exports as illegal under international law. The country has managed to successfully redirect its exports to 'friendly' markets.
Max Fischer for TROIB News
Following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, the EU has intensified its efforts to reduce energy imports from its former biggest supplier. While there has been a marked decrease in volumes, Russia continues to be a significant gas source for the bloc through pipelines via Turkey and LNG shipments.
Sources indicate that in June, the EU plans to propose a ban on any new Russian gas contracts and spot purchases, with these measures expected to take effect by the end of the year. Furthermore, the Commission is anticipated to adopt measures next month to phase out the remaining Russian pipeline gas and LNG linked to long-term contracts, although a transition period extending to the end of 2027 will be necessary. The plans set to be presented in Strasbourg on Tuesday are still subject to modification, according to insiders.
The idea of banning Russian LNG was previously discussed during negotiations for the EU’s 16th sanctions package, which was adopted in February 2025 but was ultimately dropped due to dissent from various member states.
France, Spain, and Belgium continue to import large volumes of Russian LNG, accounting for 85% of Europe’s LNG imports from the sanctioned nation, as noted by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis.
While pipeline gas flows from Russia have decreased significantly since 2022, imports of Russian LNG to the EU have risen sharply. In 2024, Russia was responsible for 17.5% of the bloc’s LNG imports, ranking second after the US, which held a 45.3% market share.
Implementing the proposed ban could potentially facilitate increased US LNG exports, according to Bloomberg sources. The US has consistently encouraged the EU to diminish its dependence on Russian energy, referring to American LNG as “molecules of freedom.”
Yet, a recent report from Reuters mentioned that banning Russian LNG might weaken the EU's negotiating position in trade discussions with the US, where Brussels is aiming to leverage energy imports to negotiate lower tariffs on EU goods.
Simultaneously, some leaders in the EU industrial sector have advocated for a return to more affordable Russian gas in light of an escalating manufacturing crisis.
Russia continues to assert itself as a dependable energy supplier and has condemned Western sanctions and trade restrictions affecting its exports as illegal under international law. The country has managed to successfully redirect its exports to 'friendly' markets.
Max Fischer for TROIB News
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