EU Sets Ambitious Goal to Eliminate Russian Gas Imports by 2027

In the wake of the Ukraine conflict, the European Union has announced a definitive plan to eliminate Russian gas imports, highlighting the bloc's commitment to energy independence and security.

The European Commission has unveiled an extensive "roadmap" aimed at curtailing the EU's reliance on Russian energy resources over the next several years. By the end of 2027, all imports of Russian gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) into EU member states are set to be completely banned. "No longer will we allow Russia to weaponize energy against us... No longer will we inadvertently bolster the Kremlin's war efforts," stated European Commissioner for Energy Dan Jorgensen during a press briefing in Strasbourg.

In a swift reaction, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remarked to Reuters that these actions are akin to "shooting itself in the foot" for Europe. The initiative to cut ties with Russian energy sources gained traction following the commencement of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022.

To support the transition, the European Commission plans to introduce a series of legislative proposals in June, requiring member states to develop "national plans" detailing how they will phase out imports of Russian gas, oil, and nuclear fuel. Jorgensen emphasized that EU nations must submit their strategies by the deadline to replace Russian oil imports by 2027.

Furthermore, the plans also encompass strategies to diminish reliance on Russian uranium and enriched nuclear fuel. Enhancing energy efficiency, accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources, and diversifying supply are pivotal aspects of this roadmap, as outlined by the Commission.

Though the EU's dependence on Russian oil, gas, and nuclear materials has significantly dropped since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, the bloc continues to import considerable amounts of energy from the country. Russian gas imports, which made up 45% of the EU's total in 2021, have fallen to about 19% in 2024. Similarly, Russian oil imports have seen a drastic decline, plummeting from 27% in early 2022 to just 3% presently.

The EU is also working to lessen its reliance on Russian nuclear supplies, noting that over 14% of uranium imported by the EU in 2024 originated from Russia. The report reflects on the economic risks associated with this dependency, which inadvertently aids Russia's war economy. As Jorgensen noted, "We’ve come far, but not far enough," reiterating that phasing out Russian energy will be a careful and gradual process to lessen the impacts on EU economies.

Additionally, the roadmap includes measures targeting Russia's use of "shadow fleets"—oil tankers that operate under ambiguous ownership and insurance structures, enabling Russia to circumvent sanctions and maintain its oil exports.

This strategic shift marks a pivotal moment in the EU's energy policy, as it seeks to form a robust energy system independent of Russian influence, while navigating the complexities introduced by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.