On June 17, 2025, the European Commission unveiled a significant legislative proposal aiming to phase out Russian oil and gas imports by 2027. This initiative is part of the broader REpowerEU Plan, designed to establish a more independent energy landscape for EU countries. Central to this proposal is a commitment to reduce reliance on Russian fossil fuels, an objective that has gained urgency since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. By 2024, the EU was still importing 19% of its gas and 3% of its crude oil from Russia, which underscores the challenge ahead. While this proposal lays out specific deadlines and strategies for member states, it notably excludes discussions on nuclear energy; such matters are to be addressed separately by the Commission.
The proposal contains critical timelines and regulations regarding the importation of Russian gas. Notably, new contracts for Russian gas are set to be prohibited starting January 1, 2026. Furthermore, existing short-term contracts must conclude by June 17, 2026, with a few exceptions made for landlocked nations that have long-term agreements, allowing them to extend until the end of 2027. This phase-out also includes a ban on long-term contracts involving Russian companies tied to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal services, which will allow for the utilization of this infrastructure by alternative suppliers. EU member states are tasked with developing detailed diversification plans that will outline specific strategies and milestones for reducing their dependency on Russian energy sources.
However, the proposal has faced criticism from certain member states, particularly Hungary and Slovakia. During recent EU energy ministers’ discussions, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó raised concerns about national sovereignty and energy security, arguing that energy policy should primarily fall under national competence. His country is apprehensive about the implications of the EU’s plan, especially given escalating tensions in the Middle East. Despite these objections, the European Commission is determined to move forward with the proposal, emphasizing a unified approach among member states in transitioning away from Russian energy supplies.
The Danish government, set to take over the presidency of the Council of the EU on July 1, is eager to reach a swift political agreement on the proposal. Danish Minister for Climate and Energy Lars Aagaard stressed the urgency of concluding the legislation before the year’s end, indicating a commitment to ensure that the process moves forward efficiently. This eagerness reflects the broader urgency within the EU to strengthen its energy independence and resilience against external pressures.
The legislative process will follow standard procedures involving negotiation among co-legislators—the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. Each institution will articulate its position on the proposed legislation, and subsequent inter-institutional negotiations, known as trilogues, will seek to achieve a political consensus. For the proposal to gain passage within the Council of the EU, a qualified majority will be required, which necessitates the support of at least 15 of the 27 member states, representing a minimum of 65% of the EU population. The European Parliament will approve or reject the proposal by a simple majority vote, making the cooperation of both bodies crucial for the legislation’s success.
In summary, the European Commission’s legislative proposal marks a significant step in the EU’s efforts to eliminate its reliance on Russian fossil fuels by 2027. While the plan outlines clear deadlines and strategies, it also faces pushback from member states concerned about sovereignty and energy security. The forthcoming negotiations will be pivotal in shaping the trajectory of this initiative, with the Danish presidency playing a crucial role in facilitating dialogue among EU institutions. The outcome will not only impact the EU’s energy landscape but also reflect broader geopolitical considerations in a changing global environment.
