Brussels, 17 June (LaPresse) – The EU wants to ban all Russian gas and oil imports. The European Commission has presented a proposal for a regulation to phase out imports of Russian fossil fuels by the end of 2027. This will end the EU's exposure to economic and market security risks due to its dependence on Russian fossil fuels and, ultimately, strengthen the Union's energy independence and competitiveness, writes the EU Executive. Today's legislative proposal follows the REPowerEU roadmap adopted by the Commission last month. Member States will be required to submit diversification plans with precise measures and targets for the gradual elimination of Russian gas and oil imports. The remaining volumes of Russian gas can be phased out without significant economic impacts or risks to security of supply, thanks to the availability of sufficient alternative suppliers in the global gas market, a well-interconnected EU gas market and the availability of adequate import infrastructure in the EU. In addition, today's proposal includes integrated safeguard measures to respond to the reality of gas markets, while providing companies with a robust legal framework. Under the planned phase-in ban, imports of Russian gas under new contracts will be prohibited from 1 January 2026. Imports under existing short-term contracts will be suspended by 17 June 2026, with the exception of those relating to gas delivered to landlocked countries and linked to long-term contracts, which will be allowed until the end of 2027. Imports under long-term contracts will be suspended by the end of 2027. Long-term contracts for LNG terminal services for Russian customers or customers controlled by Russian companies will also be banned. This will ensure that terminal capacity can be redirected to alternative suppliers, ultimately improving the resilience of energy markets. This step-by-step approach will help to effectively block Russian gas imports, while limiting the possible impact on energy prices in the Union and avoiding any risk to security of supply.
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