European plans to get rid of Russian gas have left campaigners lukewarm, calling the target date too distant.
In the meantime, despite all the rhetoric, some claim the European Union continues to fund the Russians via their gas bill.
MEPs today approved a gradual ban on pipeline and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports starting in 2026, while the European Commission is planning to prepare a ban on oil imports in 2027.
Brussels also wants harmonised maximum penalties in case of infringements and the new law also establishes penalties to be enforced by member states against operators for breaches.
Additionally, MEPs advocated for more stringent guidelines for the temporary suspension of the import restriction in emergency scenarios pertaining to the energy security of the EU.
While MEPs called the decision on the phase out “historic” , “a giant step” and “a clear and powerful message”, others were less impressed.
Among them, Sebastian Rötters, sanctions campaigner at the German progressive NGO Urgewald, said: “The decision is welcome. However, it comes dangerously late.
“While the EU congratulates itself on phasing out Russian gas by 2027, the Kremlin is still set to receive billions in the meantime. At the current pace, the EU will pay over €4 billion for Russian-linked LNG in 2026 alone.
“That is not a phase out. That is financing a war,” he added.
“If the EU is serious about security, it must close all gas and LNG loopholes in 2026, not leave the door open for another year of profits for Moscow. Every delay weakens sanctions and strengthens the Kremlin.”
Hungary and Slovakia strongly criticised the initial political agreement in early December 2025, indicating they planned to challenge it legally at the Court of Justice of the EU.
Both countries have worked on alternatives, with Hungary announcing major gas purchase agreements with Azerbaijan, the US and other countries.
