• The EU plans to ban all Russian gas imports by 2027 to end energy dependence and cut off funding to Russia's war efforts.
• Slovakia and Hungary strongly oppose the plan, citing economic suicide and threats to energy security.
• The EU Commission will require national governments to submit individual phase-out plans, but faces potential disunity among member states.

The European Union is pushing forward with a plan to ban all Russian gas imports by 2027, aiming to reduce its dependence on Russian energy and prevent EU funds from supporting Russia's war in Ukraine. The plan involves a phased approach, starting with a ban on new gas contracts by the end of 2025 and phasing out all remaining imports by 2027. However, the proposal faces resistance from some member states, particularly Hungary and Slovakia, which are heavily reliant on Russian gas and fear economic repercussions.

• What: The EU is planning to ban all Russian gas imports by 2027 to reduce energy dependence and cut off funding to Russia.
• Who: European Commission, EU member states (particularly Hungary and Slovakia), Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen, Ursula von der Leyen, Vladimir Putin.
• When: Plan announced in May 2025, with new contracts banned by the end of 2025 and all imports phased out by the end of 2027.
• Where: European Union, with specific impact on countries reliant on Russian gas such as Hungary and Slovakia.

The EU's plan to ban Russian gas imports by 2027 is a significant step towards reducing energy dependence on Russia and limiting its ability to finance the war in Ukraine. However, the plan faces considerable challenges, including resistance from member states like Hungary and Slovakia, which rely heavily on Russian gas and fear economic consequences. The success of the plan hinges on the EU's ability to find alternative energy sources, manage energy prices, and maintain unity among its member states. The increase in Russian LNG imports in 2024, despite overall efforts to reduce reliance, highlights the complexities of the situation.

"We've managed to put together a legislative package that will make sure that we will now get completely rid of Russian gas in our energy mix."

"Absolutely unacceptable."

"Energy that comes to our continent should not pay for a war of aggression against Ukraine. We owe this to our citizens, to our companies, and to our brave Ukrainian friends."

"This is simply economic suicide to agree that neither gas, nor nuclear, nor oil [can be imported from Russia], that everything must end just because some new Iron Curtain is being built between the Western world and perhaps Russia and other countries"

The EU's ambitious plan to ban Russian gas imports by 2027 reflects a strong desire to end energy dependence and limit funding for Russia's war efforts. However, the plan's success is uncertain, given the opposition from some member states and the challenges of securing alternative energy supplies. The EU must address the concerns of dissenting countries and ensure a smooth transition to avoid economic disruption and maintain unity.