The EU will ban Russian pipeline gas and LNG by 2027, with limited exceptions for Hungary and Slovakia.
Hungary and Slovakia may use Russian gas during emergencies if storage falls below 90% by November 1.
Short-term contracts signed before June 2025 will face phased bans starting April 2026 for LNG and June 2026 for pipelines.
Long-term LNG deals may continue until January 2027, while pipeline contracts face prohibition from September 2027, possibly extending to November.
Member states accelerated energy diversification after Russia’s 2022 invasion, reducing dependence from 45% to 13% by early 2025.
Landlocked Countries Push Back
Landlocked states warned bans could raise energy prices and threaten supply security compared to coastal EU members.
The European Parliament initially opposed exemptions but accepted them to break the deadlock.
Hungary and Slovakia plan legal challenges, claiming the law violates EU treaties and unfairly pressures their governments.
Both countries’ leaders, Viktor Orbán and Robert Fico, maintain a more Kremlin-friendly stance than most EU counterparts.
The deal includes a suspension clause that the Commission can activate during supply emergencies for eligible member states.
Europe Declares Energy Independence
The law bans TurkStream imports unless companies prove gas only transited Russia or Belarus.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the agreement the start of full energy independence from Russia.
Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen vowed never to return to reliance, volatility, or Russian market manipulation.
Lawmakers said the law will protect jobs and prevent Russia from manipulating European energy prices.
EU ministers will vote on December 15, followed by a parliamentary plenary vote the same week.
