It’s published
The European Commission announced a new legislative proposal on Tuesday regarding the need to abolish Russian oil and gas by 2027.
The proposal outlines deadlines and strategies for EU countries to gradually reduce and ultimately close their dependence on Russia as a fuel supplier as a part of the Repowereu program.
The proposal does not address nuclear energy, and senior European Commission officials tell journalists that they will be dealt separately.
Since the start of a full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU has gradually reduced its oil, gas and nuclear material trade from Russia.
As of 2024, the EU still relied on Russian imports for 19% of its gas and 3% of its crude oil supply.
“Russia has repeatedly tried to intimidate us by weaponizing its energy supply. We have taken clear steps to end the era of Russia’s fossil fuels in Europe forever,” said Ursula von der Reyen of the European Commission.
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Under the draft rules, new contracts for Russian gas will be banned from January 1, 2026. Existing short-term contracts will be permitted until the end of 2027.
Long-term contracts for liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal services involving Russian companies will also be banned, freeing up the infrastructure of alternative suppliers.
EU countries must submit detailed diversification plans outlining specific steps and milestones to replace Russian energy imports.
Criticism from Hungary and Slovakia
Hungary and Slovakia expressed disagreement over the plan at a meeting with the EU minister’s energy minister on Monday.
“Energy policy is the capacity of the state and puts this sovereignty and energy security at stake. Given the escalation of the Middle East, no such plan has been proposed,” Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Syjart wrote in a post on X.
Despite this opposition, the Commission decided to move the text forward.
The Danish government, which will take over the presidency of the EU Council on July 1, hopes to reach a political agreement on the text as soon as possible.
Danish Minister of Climate Energy Lars Agaard told journalists on Monday that the Danish presidency will “attempt to reach (political recognition) as quickly as possible,” adding, “If we can make (legislation) successful before the New Year, I think we’ve done an incredible job.”
Next Steps
The law follows standard procedures. Co-scholars, namely the European Parliament and the EU Council, negotiate their own positions on the file.
The text then enters the so-called internegotiation negotiations of the trilog to find political agreements.
EU countries of the Council require a qualified majority to approve the proposal on their part.
This strengthened majority requires the support of at least 15 of the 27 member states, which make up at least 65% of the EU population.
The European Parliament votes for proposals by simple majority votes.
