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Brussels Approves a Gradual Ban on Russian Gas and LNG Imports by 2028, Despite Fierce Opposition from Hungary and Slovakia
The European Union has taken a decisive step toward ending its reliance on Russian energy. In a landmark move, the Council of the European Union has reached an agreement on a regulatory proposal that will gradually phase out imports of Russian natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) beginning in 2026. The plan, divided into three stages, forms a cornerstone of the EU’s broader REPowerEU strategy — the roadmap designed to eliminate dependence on Russian fossil fuels following Moscow’s weaponization of energy supplies during the war in Ukraine.
A Three-Stage Exit Strategy
The phase-out plan will begin on January 1, 2026, when EU member states will no longer be allowed to sign new contracts for Russian gas or LNG. The second stage, effective June 17, 2026, will terminate existing short-term agreements. Finally, by January 1, 2028, all long-term contracts will be phased out entirely.
According to the text approved in Brussels, modifications to existing contracts will only be permitted for strictly defined operational purposes and may not result in increased volumes. Some exceptions, however, will be granted to landlocked countries or those recently affected by disruptions to their supply routes, allowing limited flexibility to maintain energy security during the transition.
The Dissenting Voices: Hungary and Slovakia
While nearly all member states endorsed the plan, Hungary and Slovakia stood firmly in opposition. Both countries heavily depend on Russian energy imports and argue that the regulation poses a direct threat to their national energy security and economies.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó expressed strong criticism, calling the EU’s decision “a death sentence for Hungary’s energy security.” He emphasized that geographical realities and existing infrastructure leave Hungary with few viable alternatives in the short term. “For us, energy supply is a matter of physical reality, not politics,” Szijjártó said, warning that the EU’s approach ignores the unique vulnerabilities of Central European nations.
Similarly, Slovakia voiced concerns that the transition would impose heavy economic burdens and could jeopardize industrial output, particularly in sectors reliant on affordable energy.
The Broader Context: Cutting Moscow’s War Revenues
The EU’s gradual embargo on Russian gas is not merely an energy policy — it is a geopolitical statement. By systematically reducing imports, Brussels aims to deprive Moscow of a key revenue stream that has long financed the Kremlin’s war efforts in Ukraine.
The Council’s statement described the proposal as “a central element of the REPowerEU roadmap to end the EU’s dependence on Russian energy.” It recalled the repeated disruptions and manipulation of gas supplies by Russia since 2022, which had significant destabilizing effects on European energy markets.
National Diversification Plans
Under the new regulation, all EU member states will be required to present national diversification plans. These documents must outline each country’s strategy, challenges, and measures for transitioning away from Russian gas toward alternative sources — including renewable energy, increased LNG imports from other partners, and enhanced interconnections between member states.
Countries able to prove that they no longer receive any direct or indirect Russian gas will be granted exemptions from certain obligations. Others, however, must continue to demonstrate concrete progress toward ending Russian energy imports by the 2028 deadline.
Simplified Customs and Monitoring Rules
Compared to the original proposal from the European Commission, the Council has introduced simplified customs procedures for non-Russian gas. Importers will now need to submit information to the relevant authorities only before gas enters the EU’s customs territory. In contrast, Russian gas will remain subject to stricter reporting requirements during the transition phase — including detailed disclosures about contract volumes, durations, and any modifications.
A Permanent Break from Russian Energy
The EU’s decision marks more than just another sanctions package. As Danish Minister for Energy and Climate Lars Aagaard noted, the regulation represents “the heart of our opposition to Russian gas.” He emphasized that while sanctions can complement this move, the new framework establishes a permanent structural shift: even if peace is reached in Ukraine, the EU will not return to Russian energy imports.
Echoing this sentiment, EU Commissioner Dan Jørgensen called the measure “a very, very important signal.” According to him, Europe is not merely seeking temporary independence from Moscow but is committing to a future free from Russian fossil fuels.
In essence, the EU’s three-phase plan signals the closing of a historic chapter. After decades of reliance on Russian energy, Europe is setting a definitive course toward diversification, resilience, and strategic autonomy — even at the cost of short-term challenges for some member states.
Alessandro Fiorentino