The European Parliament on Wednesday approved legislation to ban spot‑market imports of Russian liquefied natural gas starting in early 2026, while Russian pipeline gas will be phased out by Sept. 30, 2027.
The measure, already agreed with the Council of the European Union, passed with 500 votes in favor, 120 against and 32 abstentions. It now awaits formal endorsement by the Council before publication in the EU’s Official Journal.
Lawmakers also pressed for a ban on Russian oil imports, securing a commitment from the European Commission to present legislation in early 2026, with an effective ban expected no later than 2027.
Ville Niinisto, lead MEP on industry and energy, said priorities included accelerating the gas phase‑out, ending long‑term LNG contracts earlier than planned and preventing circumvention. Inese Vaidere, lead MEP on trade, said the Parliament strengthened the Commission’s proposal by adding penalties for non‑compliance and a pathway toward banning oil.
Russia accounted for 12% of EU gas imports in October, down from 45% before the 2022 war in Ukraine. Novatek CEO Leonid Mikhelson warned that excluding Russian LNG — more than 10% of global supply — could drive up prices, leaving European consumers with higher costs.