What's happened
The EU has approved a law to end Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports by the end of 2026 and pipeline gas by September 2027, aiming to cut Moscow's revenue amid ongoing tensions over Ukraine. Hungary and Slovakia oppose the measure and plan legal challenges.
What's behind the headline?
The EU's move to ban Russian gas imports marks a significant shift in energy policy, aiming to weaken Russia's wartime revenue. However, Hungary and Slovakia oppose the law, citing reliance on Russian energy and planning legal challenges, which could delay implementation. The law's phased approach, allowing existing contracts to run until deadlines, provides a transitional period but risks prolonging dependence. The divergence in EU member states' energy reliance underscores the challenge of unified sanctions. The broader strategy to phase out Russian energy, including oil and nuclear fuel, indicates a comprehensive effort to cut Moscow's economic lifelines, but geopolitical and economic realities will influence the law's effectiveness and enforcement.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that the EU's law, approved on Monday, aims to halt Russian gas imports by late 2027, with Hungary and Slovakia planning legal challenges. The Moscow Times highlights that the ban will end LNG imports by 2026 and pipeline gas by September 2027, with some countries still exposed to Russian energy. Politico notes Hungary's intention to sue the EU over the law, criticizing its legal approach, while also emphasizing that some EU countries continue to pay Moscow for energy, complicating the sanctions' impact. The UK, according to Politico, is also lagging in implementing similar bans, with ongoing contracts and criticism from Ukrainian groups about continued ties to Russian fossil fuels. Overall, the coverage underscores the geopolitical tensions, legal disputes, and economic dependencies shaping Europe's energy transition away from Russia.
How we got here
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the EU sought to reduce dependence on Russian energy. While sanctions targeted Russian oil, gas imports remained unregulated due to unanimity requirements. The new law, approved by a qualified majority, aims to phase out Russian gas, with some countries still paying Moscow for energy, complicating efforts to support Ukraine and weaken Russia's economy.
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Common question
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Why Is the EU Ending Russian Gas Imports and What Does It Mean for You?
The European Union has announced plans to phase out Russian gas imports by 2027, a move driven by geopolitical tensions and efforts to reduce dependence on Russian energy. This shift raises important questions about how it will impact energy prices, supply security, and Europe's future energy landscape. Below, we explore the key reasons behind this decision and what it could mean for consumers and countries like Hungary and Slovakia that oppose the ban.
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