The European Commission has drawn a firm line in the sand: there will be no return to Russian gas — not even if the war in Ukraine ends. In a bold move, the EU has published detailed plans to phase out all fossil fuel imports from Russia by 2028, signaling the bloc’s long-term commitment to energy independence and a rejection of past dependency.
According to EU energy commissioner Dan Jørgensen, the ban is rooted in Russia’s weaponization of energy and its repeated use of gas as a political tool, dating back well before the 2022 invasion. “This is a ban we introduce because Russia has blackmailed member states,” he said. “They are not a trading partner that can be trusted.” His comments come amid growing pressure for Europe to bolster its defense capabilities and economic resilience.
The new proposal would ban European companies from importing Russian gas or even offering services to Russian clients at EU liquified natural gas (LNG) terminals. Companies with new contracts will be required to terminate them by 2026, and all existing ones must be wound up by 2028 — a deadline that sends a clear message: energy blackmail won’t be tolerated anymore.
This isn’t just a knee-jerk reaction to the war. In fact, it builds upon Europe’s ongoing shift since Russia’s aggressive gas politics in the 2000s, which culminated in record-high energy prices and economic instability. The EU is now trying to reinforce its climate credibility, especially after recent criticism for increased purchases of Russian LNG in 2024 — even as it claimed to stand in solidarity with Ukraine.
Of course, not everyone is thrilled. Hungary and Slovakia, two countries that previously secured exemptions from the oil embargo through the Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline, are pushing back. Hungary’s foreign minister Péter Szíjjártó even posted a Hollywood-style video warning of soaring utility prices. But many EU officials see such fearmongering as out of touch — especially given Hungary’s ongoing energy ties with Moscow despite the human cost of the war.
Brussels has surrendered to Kyiv. We refuse to. pic.twitter.com/mxcYDBBb9V
— Péter Szijjártó (@FM_Szijjarto) June 16, 2025
Meanwhile, Austria’s energy ministry adopted a more cautious tone, suggesting that if peace is achieved, gas imports from Russia could resume. But Austrian Green MEP Lena Schilling didn’t hold back, calling the stance “morally irresponsible” and asking, “Have we learned nothing from bombed hospitals and abducted children?” Her remarks echo broader calls from European civil society for a complete ethical decoupling from aggressor states.
The EU’s plan also includes tighter controls to ensure gas isn’t rebranded and resold under false flags — a move reminiscent of the scrutiny applied to technology exports used in military systems. The Commission is confident this won’t trigger lawsuits, citing “force majeure” to shield companies from breach of contract claims.
It’s important to understand that this isn’t just about Ukraine or even climate targets. It’s about Europe reclaiming its strategic autonomy in a world where economic dependencies have real geopolitical consequences. The EU can’t afford to remain vulnerable — especially while tensions with Russia over Arctic territories and energy dominance continue to rise.
If this legislation passes, it will mark a milestone in the EU’s evolution from an energy-dependent trading bloc to a self-reliant geopolitical actor. And while some countries may resist, the writing is on the wall — the EU’s relationship with Russian energy is over for good.