The European Commission has announced plans to phase out all fossil fuel imports from Russia by 2028. The proposal aims to cut off Russia’s influence over the EU’s energy market, which officials say was exploited during periods of tension. In 2006, 2009, and 2014, Russia disrupted gas supplies to the EU, causing significant price spikes.
Under the new plan, European companies will be banned from importing Russian gas or providing services at EU liquefied natural gas terminals to Russian customers. Existing contracts must be wound up by January 1, 2026, but those with pre-existing agreements have until January 1, 2028.
However, the proposal is facing opposition from Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria, which may not have enough support to block it. EU energy commissioner Dan Jørgensen argued that Russia has “weaponised energy” against the EU, making it a non-trustworthy trading partner.
The commission also wants to end imports of Russian oil by 2028, although an exemption for Hungary and Slovakia remains in place due to their existing agreements with Russia’s Druzhba pipeline. Critics say the ban could lead to higher energy prices for Hungarian consumers, but EU officials deny this.
Austrian Green MEP Lena Schilling called the proposal “shortsighted and morally irresponsible,” citing the devastating effects of war on civilians. The plan aims to reduce the EU’s reliance on Russian fossil fuels and restore stability in the energy market.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jun/17/europe-will-never-return-to-russian-gas-european-commission-insists