EU Plans 2027 Russian Gas Import Phase-Out, Requires Contract Disclosure

The European Commission is preparing a legislative package to require EU companies to disclose comprehensive details of their contracts involving Russian gas, including duration, volumes, destination clauses, and contract dates, to enable enforcement of a planned ban on Russian gas imports by the end of 2027. The proposals, expected to be published on June 17, aim to increase transparency and prevent the signing of new Russian gas contracts by the end of 2025, with a phased restriction on LNG services to Russian entities starting January 2026. Importers will also be required to provide documentary proof of gas origin to prevent Russian gas from being rerouted through intermediaries, with customs authorities empowered to verify provenance. Despite a significant reduction in consumption, the EU paid €23 billion for Russian energy in 2024, with Russian gas still accounting for over 15% of EU gas deliveries. These measures form part of the EU's broader strategy to end reliance on Russian fossil fuels amid geopolitical pressures and energy security concerns. The Commission's approach relies on legal instruments to ensure compliance, with grace periods set for existing contracts and a final cut-off date for all Russian gas imports by the end of 2027.