European Parliament approves EU phase out of imports of Russian gas

Members of the European Parliament voted on December 17 to approve a gradual ban on pipeline and liquefied natural gas imports from Russia as of 2026.

The legislation. already agreed with the Council of the EU, was adopted with 500 votes to 120, with 32 abstentions.

Spot-market Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) will be banned from the EU once the regulation enters into force in early 2026, while pipeline gas imports will be phased out by September 30 2027.

During negotiations, the co-legislators advanced the phase-out timelines for most import contracts.

The new law also establishes penalties to be enforced by member states against operators for infringements.

During negotiations with the Danish presidency of the Council, MEPs pushed for the banning all imports of Russian oil and secured a commitment by the European Commission to present legislation for this in early 2026 so an effective ban can enter into force as soon as possible and no later than late-2027.

MEPs also pushed for stricter conditions under which a temporary suspension of the import ban can occur, in emergency situations in relation to EU energy security.

To close loopholes and mitigate the risk that the rules are being circumvented, operators will have to provide customs authorities with stricter and more detailed evidence of the country of production of their gas before its import or storage.