EU Finalizes Deal to End Russian Gas Purchases by Autumn 2027

EU Commits to Full Russian Gas Phase-Out by 2027

The European Union has formally agreed on a comprehensive plan to end all purchases of Russian gas by autumn 2027, marking a significant step towards severing its energy dependence on the Russian Federation. The provisional deal, struck on December 3, 2025, between the European Parliament and member states, aims to cut off a major source of funding for Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine and enhance the bloc's energy security.

The agreement introduces a legally binding, stepwise prohibition on both liquefied natural gas (LNG) and pipeline gas imports. Specifically, long-term LNG contracts will be prohibited from January 1, 2027, while pipeline gas imports will cease by September 30, 2027, or no later than November 1, 2027, provided gas storage levels are sufficient. Shorter-term contracts will see earlier phase-out dates, with LNG from April 25, 2026, and pipeline gas from June 17, 2026.

Strategic Shift Driven by REPowerEU Plan

This decisive action builds upon the REPowerEU plan, launched by the European Commission in May 2022, in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent energy crisis. The plan's core objectives include rapidly reducing the EU's reliance on Russian fossil fuels, accelerating the clean energy transition, and creating a more resilient energy system.

Before the 2022 invasion, Russia supplied approximately 40-45% of the EU's gas consumption. By 2025, this share had significantly decreased to around 12-19%, but the EU remained exposed to risks. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the agreement ushers in 'the dawn of a new era: the era of Europe's full energy independence from Russia.' EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen highlighted the financial impact, noting that the ban would deprive Russia of 'around €10 billion in annual energy revenues.'

Diversification and Green Transition Efforts

To achieve this ambitious phase-out, the EU is pursuing a multi-pronged strategy focused on diversification and accelerating the deployment of green energy. Key initiatives include:

• Diversifying energy supplies: Seeking alternative gas sources from countries like the United States, Qatar, Norway, and Azerbaijan.
• Boosting renewable energy: Increasing the share of renewables in the EU's overall energy consumption, with a target of 42.5% by 2030.
• Enhancing energy efficiency: Implementing measures to reduce overall energy demand.
• Investing in infrastructure: Expanding natural gas storage facilities and improving cross-border electricity grids.

The REPowerEU plan involves substantial investment, with approximately €300 billion allocated for green investments, including €113 billion for renewables and hydrogen infrastructure, and €56 billion for energy efficiency and heat pumps.

Challenges and International Reactions

While the agreement marks a unified stance, some member states, notably Hungary and Slovakia, have expressed concerns due to their continued heavy reliance on Russian energy. These countries had previously received exemptions for Russian oil imports and have signaled resistance to fully cutting ties. The agreement also requires the European Commission to draft a roadmap to eliminate Russian oil imports to Hungary and Slovakia by the end of 2027.

The Kremlin reacted to the EU's decision, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that the move would lead to more expensive energy for the bloc and 'accelerate' the decline of the European economy's leading potential.