The European Union officially ends with Russian gas. From 2028, the import of this raw material will be completely prohibited – both by pipelines and in the form of LNG.
The end of Russian gas in Europe
EU energy ministers adopted a regulation in Luxembourg introducing a full embargo on gas from Russia fromJanuary 1, 2028. This is one of the most important energy measures of the Union in recent years.Only Hungary and Slovakia were against the decision, which received a one-year transitional period until the end of 2027.
The new regulations will cover both liquefied gas (LNG) and pipelines. This means that the Union has been completely cut off from Russian supplies, which only a few years ago accounted for more than 40% of the European gas market.
How the gradual departure from Russian gas progresses
Before the embargo takes effect, earlier restrictions will enter into force:
- from 1 January 2026 imports of gas under new contracts signed after 17 June 2025 will be prohibited,
- short-term contracts will be completely terminated by 17 June 2026,
- For inland countries (including Slovakia and Hungary), the possibility of continued imports was provided until the end of 2027.
This timetable is intended to allow Member States to adapt their energy infrastructure, in particular as regards LNG terminals and interconnections in Central Europe.
Europe seeks alternatives
The EU decision is a further step towards independence of the continent from Russian raw materials after the invasion of Ukraine. The European Commission points to the importance of diversifying energy sources and investing in green transition. LNG imports from the USA and Norway will increase as well as the development of renewable energy.
For example, Poland already covers most of the demand thanks to the LNG terminal in Świnoujście and the Baltic Pipe gas pipeline connecting the country with Norwegian deposits. In turn, Germany is intensively developing LNG ports in Wilhelmshaven and Brunsbüttel.
Which means ban for Russia and consumers
Embargo can hit the Russian economy hard – gas was one of the pillars of Moscow's export influence. According to estimates by the European Commission, the share of Russian gas in EU imports has already fallen from45% to about 13%, and after 2028 it is expected to be 0%.
For European consumers, the decision means more stable prices for raw materials in the long term, although temporary increases may arise due to the need to rebuild energy markets and contracts.
