Brussels [Belgium], October 21 (ANI): European Union countries have agreed to ban all Russian energy imports starting January 1, 2028, following a vote in favour of the European Commission’s proposal. The regulation covers both pipeline oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) and forms a central element of the EU’s REPowerEU roadmap aimed at ending dependency on Russian energy.
Energy ministers from almost all EU member states approved the draft regulation during a meeting in Luxembourg on October 20. The European Council stated that imports of Russian gas will be prohibited from January 2026, with a transition period for existing short-term contracts from June 2026, while long-term contracts may continue until January 1, 2028.
Denmark’s Energy Minister Lars Aagaard, whose country currently holds the EU’s rotating presidency, described the proposal as a “crucial” step towards making Europe energy independent. “Although we have worked hard and pushed to get Russian gas and oil out of Europe in recent years, we are not there yet. Therefore, it is crucial that the Danish Presidency has secured overwhelming support from Europe’s energy ministers for legislation that will definitively ban Russian gas from coming into the EU,” Aagaard said. Negotiations with the European Parliament will follow to finalise the regulation.
The EU’s REPowerEU roadmap was adopted in May 2025 to phase out remaining Russian energy imports and strengthen energy security. While imports of Russian oil have fallen below 3 per cent in 2025, Russian gas still constitutes around 13 per cent of EU imports, leaving the bloc vulnerable to trade and energy disruptions.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas highlighted the need to maintain pressure on Russia, saying, “Russia only negotiates when put under pressure.” Speaking ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers, she noted that Ukraine has been ready for an unconditional ceasefire since February, but Russia shows no genuine interest in peace. She emphasised that territorial integrity must be upheld in any resolution, warning that ceding territory would encourage future aggression.
Kallas also stated that EU ministers are working to tighten enforcement against Russia’s “shadow fleet,” vessels used to bypass Western oil-export restrictions. Commenting on US President Donald Trump’s efforts to mediate the conflict, she said, “We want to end this war, but we must ensure Ukraine and Europe are part of any negotiations, otherwise nothing can be achieved if Russia is left unchecked.”
The ban on Russian energy imports aligns with EU efforts to reduce reliance on Moscow following repeated disruptions and the weaponisation of energy supplies amid the Russia-Ukraine war. (ANI)
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