EU countries back 2028 ban on Russian gas, leaving oil exempt

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Euractiv or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: EU member states have backed a landmark proposal to ban Russian natural gas imports by 2028, marking a significant shift in the bloc’s energy policy amid continued tensions over the war in Ukraine
• The decision, reached in principle by energy ministers, would gradually phase out pipeline and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Russia — though Russian oil remains exempt from the proposed sanctions at this stage

🔭 The context: The EU has already cut Russian gas imports by more than half since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, but several countries in Central and Eastern Europe remain reliant on Russian supplies
• The 2028 deadline reflects political compromise between ambitious decoupling targets led by Poland and the Baltics, and resistance from more gas-dependent economies like Hungary and Austria
• Russian oil, which continues to flow under certain exemptions, was deliberately excluded to avoid disrupting global markets

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The ban accelerates Europe’s transition away from fossil fuels and aligns with the EU’s climate goals under the Green Deal
• However, replacing Russian gas with other fossil sources risks locking in new infrastructure or LNG imports with high methane leakage rates
• The move must be paired with investments in renewables, energy efficiency, and electrification to avoid undermining climate targets while ensuring supply security

⏭️ What's next: The European Commission will now begin drafting the formal legislative proposal, with final approval expected in 2026
• The regulation will likely include carve-outs and transition timelines for vulnerable member states
• Simultaneously, Brussels is ramping up strategic energy partnerships with Algeria, Norway, and the U.S., and investing in green hydrogen corridors and biomethane expansion as part of the broader REPowerEU initiative

💬 One quote: "A 2028 gas ban sends a clear message to Moscow: Europe is no longer hostage to Russian energy." – Kadri Simson, EU Energy Commissioner

📈 One stat: In 2021, 40% of the EU’s natural gas was imported from Russia. By early 2025, this had dropped to below 15%, according to Eurostat

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