EU Adopts Law Setting Deadline to Fully Halt Russian Gas Imports by 2027

On January 26, 2026, the European Union formally adopted a binding regulation setting a definitive timeline to phase out imports of Russian gas. The law mandates that EU member states stop importing Russian liquefied natural gas by the end of 2026 and halt imports of Russian pipeline gas by September 30, 2027. It requires countries to submit national plans for diversifying gas supplies by March 1, 2026, obligates major energy firms to declare all remaining Russian gas contracts, and imposes heavy fines for non-compliance.

The legislation passed despite opposition from Hungary and Slovakia. This marks a key step in the EU's strategy to end its energy dependence on Russia, whose share of EU imports has fallen to around 13% in 2025 from over 40% before the Ukraine conflict. However, as Russian supplies are cut off, the EU is becoming increasingly reliant on U.S. LNG, with analysts projecting the U.S. could supply up to 70% of Europe's LNG from 2026 to 2029. While solidifying the political decision for energy autonomy, the law also exposes the bloc to significant economic risks regarding supply security and price volatility.