EU adopts Regulation to phase out Russian gas and oil imports

On 26 January 2026, the Council of the EU adopted a Regulation establishing a framework to phase out Russian gas imports, prepare to phase out Russian oil imports and strengthen the monitoring of energy dependencies across the EU.

Import prohibition framework

The new framework introduces a general prohibition on the import into the EU of both pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) that has originated from or been exported from Russia.

A transitional period applies, subject to prior authorisation, for existing supply contracts concluded before 17 June 2025, as follows:

• Short-term contracts (term of less than one year) are exempted until 17 June 2026 for pipeline gas and until 25 April 2026 for LNG.
• Long-term contracts (term of more than one year) are exempted until 30 September 2027 for pipeline gas and until 1 January 2027 for LNG.

Prior to authorising the entry of gas into the EU, the competent authorities must verify the evidence submitted to establish its country of origin.

Emergency powers

In the event of a declared emergency, the EU Commission retains the power to suspend the application of the new rules for up to four weeks.

Member State diversification plans

Member States must submit national diversification plans to the EU Commission by 1 March 2026 describing the measures they will take and any obstacles to discontinuing Russian gas imports within the framework’s timeframes.

Member States that continue to import Russian oil are similarly required to submit corresponding diversification plans, with the objective of ending all such imports by the end of 2027.

Penalties

Non-compliance with this framework may result in penalties for legal persons of at least 3.5% of their total worldwide annual turnover, EUR 40 million, or 300% of the estimated transaction value. For natural persons, the penalty amounts to at least EUR 2.5 million.