EU ministers back plan to ban Russian gas imports by 2028

(Sharecast News) - European energy ministers have agreed to phase out Russian energy imports within three years, it was confirmed on Monday.

In a statement published on Monday, the Council of the European Union said it had agreed its negotiating position on the draft regulation to phase out imports of Russian natural gas.

Should the proposed regulation be adopted, there would be a full ban of all imports of pipeline and liquefied natural gas from Russia from 1 January 2028.

The proposals are part of wider moves by the EU to end its dependency on Russian energy, in light of the invasion of Ukraine just under three years ago.

Lars Aagaard, Denmark's minister for climate, energy and utilities, said: "Although we have worked hard and pushed to get Russian gas and oil out of Europe in recent years, we are not there yet.

"Therefore it is crucial that the Danish presidency has secured an overwhelming support from Europe's energy ministers for the legislation that will definitely ban Russian gas from coming into the EU."

Russia now accounts for 12% of EU gas imports, down from 45% prior to the 2022 invasion, according to Reuters. France, Belgium and Hungary are among the countries still receiving Russian gas.

Under the terms of the agreement, new Russian gas import contracts would be phased out from January 2026, existing short-term contracts from June 2026 and long-term contracts from January 2028.

EU countries must now negotiate the final rules at the European parliament, which has yet to formalise its position.

The council, which represents member states' governments, meets regularly to negotiate European laws, adopt the bloc's budget and develop foreign policy, among other objectives.

Denmark is one of three countries currently heading up the council.