The European Union has reached a definitive agreement to phase out Russian pipeline gas imports entirely by the end of September 2027, marking a pivotal step in ending the bloc's long-standing energy dependence on Moscow following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Representatives from EU governments and the European Parliament finalized the deal in the early hours of Wednesday, enacting proposals put forth by the European Commission last June, which were designed to systematically end shipments from Russia, formerly the EU's primary gas supplier.

The historic decision mandates a permanent halt to Russian gas imports, with a concrete timeline for different supply types. According to the plan, imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) should stop by the end of 2026, while pipeline gas imports must cease by the end of September 2027.

“Today, we enter the era of Europe's full energy independence from Russia. REPowerEU has delivered. It shielded us from the worst energy crisis in decades, and it helped us to transition from Russian fossil fuels at record speed,” Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement, adding that the commission was stopping these imports permanently. 

"By depleting Putin's war chest, we stand in solidarity with Ukraine," she added. 

The phase-out includes specific deadlines for existing contracts. For short-term gas contracts signed before June 17 of this year, the import ban will apply from April 25, 2026, for LNG and from June 17, 2026, for pipeline gas.

Long-term contracts pre-dating the June 17 cutoff will see prohibitions take effect at the start of 2027 for LNG and the start of October 2026 for pipeline gas. However, a one-month extension is possible for member states facing storage difficulties. Additionally, all Russian gas imports will now require prior authorization.

As of October, Russian gas accounted for 12% of EU imports, a significant drop from 45% before the 2022 invasion, with countries like Hungary, France, and Belgium remaining among those still receiving supplies. 

Although Russia recorded a stable pipeline gas supply to Europe, according to data reported by Reuters on Monday, December 1, the supply could drop in the coming years due to the current EU energy diversification plan.

In addition to gas, the Commission is also committed to phasing out remaining Russian oil imports by the end of 2027 and plans to present a related legislative proposal early next year.

Under the new agreement, EU member states must submit "national diversification" plans to the Commission by March 1. They are also required to notify the EU executive of any existing Russian gas supply contracts or national bans they have in place.