The European Parliament has approved the European Union's plan to phase out imports of Russian gas by the end of 2027.

Source : European Pravda, citing the European Parliament's website

Details : A total of 500 MEPs voted in favour of the plan, 120 voted against and 32 abstained. The plan must now be formally approved by the Council of the EU before it can enter into force. Approval is expected early next year.

Under the plan, imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) will be banned in the EU from early 2026, once the legislation enters into force. Imports of pipeline gas will instead be phased out by 30 September 2027.

The new law also introduces penalties that member states will apply to operators who violate the rules.

During negotiations with the Danish presidency of the Council of the EU, MEPs insisted on a ban on all imports of Russian oil. The European Commission has committed to presenting relevant legislation in early 2026, so that a ban on Russian oil imports can take effect as soon as possible, but no later than the end of 2027.

MEPs also pushed for stricter conditions governing any temporary suspension of the import ban in emergency situations related to the EU's energy security.

To close loopholes and reduce the risk of circumvention, operators will be required to provide more stringent and detailed proof of the country of origin of their gas to customs authorities prior to import or storage.

Background :

• On 10 December, EU ambassadors approved the plan to gradually end imports of Russian gas by the end of 2027.
• The EU has also stressed that it will not return to Russian energy supplies even after the war ends.

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