• The European Commission has proposed a full ban on new Russian LNG and pipeline gas contracts starting January 2026, with all imports to cease by January 2028.
  • The accelerated timeline follows intense diplomatic pressure from the United States and is a direct response to Russia's weaponization of energy supplies.
  • The move is expected to benefit U.S. LNG exporters but poses significant challenges for some Central European member states heavily reliant on Russian pipelines.

The European Union is moving decisively to sever its remaining energy ties with Russia, unveiling a legislative proposal that would accelerate the complete phase-out of Russian liquefied natural gas and pipeline gas imports. The plan, presented by the European Commission on June 17, 2025, targets a ban on new Russian gas contracts from January 2026, with a full cessation of all imports by the end of 2027 or January 2028 at the latest.

The proposal marks a significant escalation of the bloc's efforts to achieve energy independence from Moscow and represents the culmination of the REPowerEU strategy launched after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. According to people familiar with the matter, the accelerated timeline follows sustained diplomatic pressure from the United States, which has been urging European allies to completely cut off a crucial revenue stream for the Kremlin.

“This is about closing the final chapter of Europe’s energy dependence on Russia,” said one EU diplomat involved in the discussions, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “The geopolitical imperative is clear, but the implementation will be a complex logistical challenge.”

The legislation, which must still be ratified by the European Parliament and implemented at the national level, would require member states to find alternative sources for up to 52 billion cubic meters of gas previously imported from Russia. U.S. LNG exporters are positioned as primary beneficiaries of this shift, with new American liquefaction plants coming online just as European demand for non-Russian LNG is set to surge.

Energy analysts note that the transition may prove particularly challenging for Central European countries like Hungary, which remain heavily dependent on Russian pipeline infrastructure and have limited immediate alternatives. The phase-out is expected to create regional disparities in energy security and potentially lead to higher prices and supply adjustments in the short term.

The Commission's proposal includes transitional periods for existing contracts, providing some flexibility for member states to secure alternative supplies and upgrade infrastructure. Separate legislation addressing restrictions on Russian nuclear material imports is also under development, though officials acknowledge those supply chains present more complex challenges.

When reached for comment, a Commission spokesperson declined to specify whether any member states had expressed reservations about the accelerated timeline. The proposal now enters a period of negotiation among EU institutions, with implementation timelines and support mechanisms for affected regions expected to be key points of discussion.

Correction: An earlier version of this article stated the full import ban would be effective by the end of 2027. The Commission's proposal allows for implementation by January 2028.