The EU is expanding sanctions on Russia as part of a broader strategy to choke Moscow’s wartime financing, building on prior bans targeting coal and oil to reduce energy dependence.

Additionally, a possible shift to November 1, 2027 is contemplated if a country cannot fill storage caverns with non-Russian gas before winter.

Hungary opposed the law and Slovakia raised concerns due to energy ties to Russia; Hungary plans to challenge the measure at the EU Court of Justice while Slovakia prepared to do the same.

The policy aims to cut EU reliance on Russian energy to hinder Moscow’s ability to fund the invasion, while providing a transition period and price-stability safeguards for consumers.

Before the invasion, many EU members relied on Russian gas; since then the bloc has progressively banned multiple Russian energy sources as part of broader sanctions.

Under the final rules, long-term contracts must be phased out with penalties up to 3.5% of a company’s global turnover for non-compliance.

The regulation won broad support in Brussels, with 24 of 27 EU member states voting in favor after negotiations completed in December and Parliament approvals secured.

The vote in favor reflected a united stance among member states, aligning with the Parliament’s prior approval of the measure.

Trilateral talks among Ukraine, Russia, and the United States in Abu Dhabi resumed, signaling cautious optimism though no outcomes were disclosed.

EU analyses say removing Russian gas poses no supply risk due to sufficient alternative suppliers on the world market, and consumer gas prices should not rise significantly.

EU plans to ban Russian gas imports in phases, with a pipeline gas halt by late 2027 and LNG restrictions following, subject to member-state confirmation and possible adjustments if storage goals cannot be met.