Cutting Russian Energy to Keep Europe Safe

EU Plan to Stop Importing Russian Gas and Oil – Key Points (Simplified)

• Goal: Cut out all Russian natural‑gas imports and move toward ending Russian oil imports by the end of 2027, so the EU is not vulnerable to Russia using gas or oil as a political tool.

• Why:

  • Russia has cut gas supplies many times, causing huge price spikes (up to 8 × the normal price in 2022) and forced 11 EU countries to declare energy crises.
  • The EU has already saved more than 60 billion cubic metres of gas per year since 2022 by switching to other suppliers.
  • Russian gas still earned about €15 billion in 2024 – money that could be used to fund attacks or further market manipulation.

• How it works:

  1. Immediate ban (from 6 weeks after the regulation is published): no new Russian gas imports, but existing contracts get a staged exit.
  2. Short‑term contracts (≤ 1 year) can keep Russian gas until 25 April 2026 for LNG and 17 June 2026 for pipeline gas.
  3. Long‑term contracts (more than 1 year) keep Russian gas until 1 January 2027 for LNG and 30 September 2027 for pipeline gas.
  4. After those dates, all remaining Russian gas imports are prohibited.

• Exemptions:

  • If a contract is already in place and can be changed without increasing volume, it may stay for a short time.
  • Importers can ask for a “prior authorisation” to prove the gas isn’t from Russia; they must submit detailed contract data at least one month before delivery.

• Monitoring & Enforcement:

  • Member states must create a “diversification plan” (showing how they will replace Russian gas) and submit it by 1 March 2026.
  • The European Commission will track gas imports, report annually, and can temporarily lift the ban in one country for up to 4 weeks if an emergency arises.
  • Authorities (customs, energy regulators, competition bodies) will share information to spot and stop any attempts to smuggle Russian gas in disguised forms.

• Penalties:

  • For companies that break the rules: up to 3.5 % of annual worldwide turnover or €40 million, whichever is higher; for very large deals the penalty can be up to 300 % of the deal’s value.
  • For individuals: minimum fine €2.5 million.

• Oil Phase‑Out:

  • The EU will also phase out Russian oil by 2027.
  • Each country must submit a separate oil diversification plan by 1 March 2026.
  • The Commission will assess risks and help countries find alternative oil sources.

• Overall Impact:

  • The plan reduces dependence on a single supplier, strengthens EU energy security, and supports the transition to renewables and energy efficiency.
  • It aligns with the 2022 “Versailles Declaration” that all EU members agreed to reduce reliance on Russian energy.

This simplified summary captures the main points, timelines, and numbers of the EU’s legislative resolution to phase out Russian gas and oil imports.