The European Commission is preparing to propose a significant shift in its energy policy this week, aiming to terminate all Russian natural gas imports by the close of 2027. The proposal includes a ban on new gas supply contracts with Russia, utilizing trade law mechanisms to bypass potential vetoes from member states like Hungary and Slovakia.
This strategic move employs trade legislation, which requires only majority approval rather than unanimous consent from EU members, enabling the Commission to circumvent opposition from countries still dependent on Russian gas supplies. According to sources familiar with the Commission’s plans, both Hungary and Slovakia will receive special accommodations, allowing them to gradually phase out their existing Russian gas contracts until 2027.
The initiative is part of a broader European Union strategy to eliminate its reliance on Russian energy sources. Under the proposed framework, the EU plans to prohibit new supplier agreements with Russian gas providers and will move to end spot market purchases by the conclusion of 2025.
To ensure effective implementation of these measures, the European Commission is introducing new transparency requirements for EU companies engaged in Russian gas purchases. According to internal documents reviewed by Reuters, businesses will need to disclose comprehensive details about their gas supply arrangements with Russian entities, including contract duration, yearly volume commitments, agreement dates, and specific delivery terms.
This transition away from Russian energy imports represents a crucial component of the EU’s recently announced roadmap toward energy independence. The plan emphasizes enhanced monitoring and traceability of Russian gas throughout European markets, establishing a clear pathway to completely phase out Russian gas imports within the next three years.
The Commission’s approach reflects a careful balance between achieving energy independence and accommodating member states’ varying circumstances. By utilizing trade law rather than sanctions, which would require unanimous approval, the EU demonstrates pragmatic flexibility in pursuing its strategic objectives while managing internal disagreements.
For countries like Hungary and Slovakia, which continue to receive Russian gas through Balkan pipeline infrastructure, the extended timeline until 2027 provides a crucial adjustment period. These nations had previously indicated their intention to veto any immediate ban, highlighting the complex challenges of coordinating energy policy across diverse European economies.
The transparency requirements represent a significant shift in how European companies interact with Russian gas suppliers. By mandating detailed disclosure of contract terms and volumes, the EU aims to create a more transparent market environment while monitoring progress toward its independence goals.
This initiative marks a decisive step in the EU’s broader effort to reshape its energy landscape and reduce strategic vulnerabilities. The gradual phase-out approach, combined with increased market oversight and transparency measures, suggests a comprehensive strategy to manage the transition while maintaining energy security for member states.
The Commission’s proposal reflects growing determination to achieve energy independence from Russia, even as it acknowledges the need for practical implementation timelines and special considerations for more dependent member states. This balanced approach aims to ensure a successful transition while maintaining stability in European energy markets during this significant shift in supply relationships.