BRUSSELS, Oct 20 (KUNA) -- EU energy ministers approved the European Commission's plan to completely end dependence on imports of Russian oil and gas by 2028.
The move, which was taken uring their meeting held on Monday in Luxembourg, follows Moscow's repeated use of gas supplies as a political pressure tool and its frequent disruptions of deliveries, which have had a major impact on the European energy market.
In a press release, the European Council said the proposed regulation provides for a legally binding, gradual ban on Russian gas imports, both via pipelines and liquefied natural gas (LNG), with the full ban taking effect on 1st January 2028.
The agreement reached by the Council maintains this deadline, reflecting "an ambitious signal from member states confirming their determination to implement the phase-out decisively,' according to the release.
It further noted that the decision "will contribute to the broader goal of building a resilient and independent European energy market while safeguarding energy security within the European Union." Danish Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities Lars Aagaard, whose country currently holds the EU's rotating presidency, said in the statement that "an energy independent Europe will be stronger and safer." He added that "although we have made great efforts in recent years to eliminate Russian gas and oil, we have not yet reached the end. This is why it is significant that the Danish presidency has secured overwhelming support from EU energy ministers for this legislation, which will finally ban the entry of Russian gas into the European Union." The Council noted that the agreement includes several amendments, most notably the introduction of a transitional period for existing contracts. Imports of Russian gas will be prohibited as of 1st January 2026, while short-term contracts concluded before 17 June 2025, may continue until 17 June 2026, and long-term contracts until 1st January 2028.
The agreement also stipulates that any modification of existing contracts will be allowed only for strictly defined operational purposes and must not result in an increase in imported quantities, with limited exceptions for landlocked member states affected by supply route changes.
Furthermore, the Council announced simplified administrative procedures, easing documentation requirements for non-Russian gas imports while imposing a prior licensing system for all imports to ensure effective enforcement of the ban.
According to the agreed text, import data for Russian gas must be submitted at least one month before entering EU territory, while data for non-Russian gas must be provided at least five days in advance. The origin ratios of Russian and non-Russian gas in mixed LNG shipments must also be verified.
The Council emphasized that member states are required to submit national plans to diversify gas sources, outlining measures and potential challenges in this area. States that have fully ceased direct or indirect imports of Russian gas will be exempted from this obligation.
The same commitment applies to member states still importing Russian oil, with all such imports to be fully phased out by 1st January 2028. (end) arn.mt