EU Member States Approve Legally Binding Ban on Russian Gas Imports by Late 2027
EU member states approved a law Monday banning Russian gas imports by late 2027. This first legally binding ban targets LNG and pipeline gas revenue streams.
Insights:
On Monday, January 26, 2026, in Brussels, member states of the European Union 
EUapproved a historic and legally binding law to ban gas imports from the Russian Federation 
RUby late 2027. This landmark decision marks the first EU-wide ban on Russian energy imports since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago. The regulation mandates that all liquefied natural gas imports must cease by the end of 2026, while pipeline gas deliveries must be completely phased out by September 30, 2027. An optional extension to November 1, 2027, remains a possibility under the new legal framework.
EUapproved a historic and legally binding law to ban gas imports from the Russian Federation RUby late 2027. This landmark decision marks the first EU-wide ban on Russian energy imports since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago. The regulation mandates that all liquefied natural gas imports must cease by the end of 2026, while pipeline gas deliveries must be completely phased out by September 30, 2027. An optional extension to November 1, 2027, remains a possibility under the new legal framework.The approval was secured through a reinforced majority vote, overcoming direct opposition from Slovakia 
SKand Hungary 
HU. While Bulgaria 
BGchose to abstain, Hungaryimmediately announced its intention to challenge the legality of the measure at the European Court of Justice. This vote makes the commitment irreversible across the bloc, even as certain nations have expressed concerns regarding their continued reliance on Russian supplies and their desire to maintain existing ties.
SKand Hungary HU. While Bulgaria BGchose to abstain, Hungaryimmediately announced its intention to challenge the legality of the measure at the European Court of Justice. This vote makes the commitment irreversible across the bloc, even as certain nations have expressed concerns regarding their continued reliance on Russian supplies and their desire to maintain existing ties.
