All 27 European Union member states have formally approved new legislation introducing a phased ban on Russian natural gas imports, covering both pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG). The regulation also strengthens oversight mechanisms and promotes measures to expand alternative energy sources across the bloc.
This decision marks a major milestone in the implementation of the EU’s REPowerEU strategy, which aims to eliminate dependence on Russian energy supplies. Under the new framework, imports of Russian gas will be gradually restricted to limit market disruption and reduce price volatility during the transition period.
The regulation specifies that restrictions on Russian pipeline gas and LNG will begin six weeks after the law enters into force. Existing contracts will be permitted to continue for a limited transitional period, with a full ban on Russian LNG imports set to take effect at the start of 2027, followed by the complete phase-out of pipeline gas by autumn 2027.
To ensure compliance, EU member states will be required to verify the country of origin of gas before authorizing its entry into the Union. This traceability requirement is intended to prevent any circumvention of the ban through indirect or re-routed supplies.
Failure to comply with the new rules may result in substantial financial penalties. Individuals could face fines of at least €2.5 million, while companies may be subject to penalties starting at €40 million, or amounts equal to at least 3.5% of global annual turnover, or up to three times the estimated value of the transaction involved.
By 1 March 2026, each member state must submit a national diversification plan detailing how it will replace Russian gas volumes and address potential supply and security risks. Energy companies will also be required to disclose any remaining contracts involving Russian gas to national authorities and the European Commission.
Additionally, countries that still rely on Russian oil imports will be obliged to prepare diversification strategies under the same regulatory framework, reinforcing the EU’s broader push toward energy independence and resilience.