EU plans end to Russian gas imports by 2027, says von der Leyen
We will strive to prohibit all imports of Russian gas to the EU - both via pipelines and in liquefied form (LNG) - by no later than the end of 2027. The era of Russian fossil fuels in Europe is coming to an end, said the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in the European Parliament.
The President of the EC emphasised during the debate in the European Parliament concerning the war in Ukraine that by supporting this country, the EU must continue to weaken Russia's ability to wage war.
Fossil fuel revenues continue to play a crucial role in financing Russia's war efforts. That’s why, as von der Leyen emphasized, a core priority for European security is to cut off this financial support by ending the flow of billions spent on importing Russian energy.
As she added, some still claim that the EU should once again "reopen the tap" for gas and oil from Russia, but - she emphasised - this would be "a mistake of historic dimensions."
- Russia has proven, time and again, that it is not a reliable supplier. Putin has already cut gas flows to Europe in 2006, 2009, 2014, 2021, and throughout the war. How many times before they learn the lesson, she said.
The European Commission announced on Tuesday that by the end of the year it will introduce a ban on entering new agreements and spot contracts for the import of Russian liquefied gas and gas transported by pipelines. The proposal for changes will be presented by the EC in June. Long-term contracts will be phased out by the end of 2027.
The President of the European Commission announced during a debate in the European Parliament that the EU aims to ban all imports of Russian gas—both pipeline and liquefied natural gas—by the end of 2027. She emphasized that the era of Russian fossil fuels in Europe is drawing to a close.
