EU Committees Approve Draft Plan to Ban Russian Gas and Oil Imports from 2026

Brussels, October 18: The European Parliament’s Committees on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) and International Trade (INTA) have jointly approved draft legislation to ban the import of Russian natural gas and oil starting 1 January 2026, marking a major step in the EU’s efforts to end its dependence on Russian fossil fuels.

Under the proposed regulation, the ban would cover both pipeline and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, with limited exemptions for existing contracts. Short-term contracts could continue until 17 June 2026, while long-term agreements signed before 17 June 2025 may extend only until 1 January 2027, provided they remain unamended.

Force Majeure and Import Verification Rules

The proposal allows energy operators to invoke “force majeure” to terminate Russian gas import contracts, as the legal prohibition on such imports would constitute a sovereign act beyond their control.

Additionally, from 1 January 2026, the temporary storage of Russian-origin natural gas within EU facilities would be prohibited. To prevent circumvention, importers will be required to present stricter documentation verifying the country of production, with prior authorisation mandated for high-risk sources.

Oil Imports to Face Similar Ban

From the same date, MEPs are seeking to extend the ban to Russian oil, including petroleum products derived from Russian crude. The measure will require customs authorisation and verification of the oil’s origin prior to import or storage.

To tackle potential loopholes, the regulation introduces enhanced monitoring mechanisms, including:

• Mandatory origin certification for oil transported via pipelines.
  
  
• Quarterly audits to ensure compliance.
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• An EU-managed list of high-risk LNG terminals vulnerable to re-routing or mislabelling of Russian energy products.

The committees also moved to remove a review clause that would have allowed the European Commission to temporarily suspend the import ban in the event of energy shortages, tightening the overall framework. Violations of the regulation would be subject to penalties to reinforce enforcement.

Statements from Lead MEPs

Ville Niinistö (Greens/EFA, Finland), lead MEP for the ITRE Committee, said:

“A strong majority of members voted for decisive action to end the EU’s reliance on Russian fossil fuels. This is not just a symbolic ban—it is a robust, enforceable framework that closes the loopholes left in the Commission’s original proposal.”

Inese Vaidere (EPP, Latvia), lead MEP for the INTA Committee, called the vote a “historic milestone” for EU energy independence:

“The near-unanimous support gives me a strong mandate for negotiations with the Council. The inclusion of oil products, earlier termination of long-term contracts, penalties for non-compliance, and the removal of exceptions for landlocked countries represent a turning point in Europe’s energy policy.”

The draft regulation was adopted with 83 votes in favour, 9 against, and 1 abstention. MEPs also voted 84 to 7, with 1 abstention, to open negotiations with the Danish Presidency of the Council. The decision will be formally announced during Parliament’s plenary session scheduled for 20–24 October.

Background

The proposed legislation follows years of growing tension over Russia’s weaponisation of energy supplies, culminating in the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. EU lawmakers cited Moscow’s deliberate market manipulation, including Gazprom’s underfilling of storage facilities and abrupt pipeline shutdowns, which drove energy prices to nearly eight times pre-crisis levels.

The move marks one of the EU’s most significant policy shifts since the invasion, reflecting a long-term strategic goal: to decouple Europe’s energy security from Russian influence and accelerate the bloc’s transition toward renewable energy and diversified supply chains.