EU to Ban Russian Gas Imports by 2027 in Major Energy Transition
In a historic move, the European Union is set to significantly reduce and ultimately phase out its imports of Russian gas within the next three years. This decision marks a crucial step towards decreasing the EU’s reliance on Moscow and ensuring energy security across the continent.
Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen unveiled detailed proposals in Strasbourg on Tuesday, outlining a roadmap to eliminate imports of fossil fuels from Russia. The European Commission’s plan aims to end the EU’s dependency on Russian energy while guaranteeing stable energy supplies and prices.
The EU has witnessed a significant decline in its gas imports from Russia, from 45% in 2021 to 19% in 2024. Similarly, Russian oil imports have decreased from 27% to 3% during this period. This shift comes in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, prompting the EU to diversify its energy sources and reduce its reliance on Moscow.
The newly proposed measures include banning new gas contracts with Russian suppliers by the end of 2025 and phasing out all remaining imports by 2027. This approach aligns with the EU’s commitment to transitioning towards cleaner energy sources and reducing the use of fossil fuels.
The EU’s push to end its dependence on Russian energy not only enhances economic security but also addresses the climate crisis. By collectively working towards this goal, European countries can accelerate the phase-out of Russian fossil fuels and pave the way for a more sustainable energy future.