EU to Ban Russian Gas as LNG Worries Grow

The European Union is preparing to introduce legislation that would impose a complete ban on Russian gas imports, including liquefied natural gas (LNG), as it steps up efforts to end its reliance on Russian energy.

The move comes as Russian gas still accounts for about 19% of the EU’s total imports, a sharp drop from over 40% before the war in Ukraine. Despite this decline, the EU has seen a surge in Russian LNG purchases, raising concerns over strategic dependence.

New Legislation Targeting All Russian Gas

The European Commission will present the proposal in June during a session in Strasbourg. The plan aims to ban all Russian gas purchases, covering both long-term supply contracts and short-term spot market transactions. Key elements include:

A ban on new spot market contracts by the end of 2025
A full phase-out of existing long-term contracts by 2027

This would apply to both LNG and pipeline gas, marking one of the EU’s most decisive energy policy shifts since the invasion of Ukraine.

Energy Security and Political Strategy

The initiative signals a deeper political commitment to reducing Russian influence over European energy supplies. It is expected to significantly alter the EU’s energy supply chain and require greater investment in alternative sources, including renewables and infrastructure upgrades.

While Western and Northern European countries have made significant strides in diversifying energy imports, Eastern and Southern member states remain more dependent on Russian supplies. The transition is likely to pose logistical and economic challenges for these regions.

A Test of EU Unity

The proposal highlights the EU’s broader strategy to reinforce energy sovereignty and align with its long-term climate objectives. However, it will test the bloc’s ability to remain politically cohesive while facing economic pressures and evolving global energy markets.

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