Strasbourg, France – On Tuesday, the European Commission announced its strategy to eliminate imports of Russian gas by the end of 2027.
In light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that “it is time for Europe to completely sever its energy connections” with Russia under Vladimir Putin.
The Commission’s proposal outlines a phased approach: it plans to prohibit new contracts and terminate existing short-term contracts with Russian companies by the end of 2025, followed by a complete cessation of all imports two years later.
This plan will be presented to both member states and the European Parliament for consideration.
The percentage of Russian gas imports into the European Union has decreased significantly, dropping from 45% in 2021 to just 19% in 2024.
While pipeline supplies have diminished, the EU has increasingly turned to liquefied natural gas (LNG), which is transported by ship, regasified, and then integrated into the European supply network. Currently, Russia accounts for 20% of LNG imports in 2024, contributing 20 billion cubic meters, which places it second to the United States, which holds a 45% share.
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