EU Council adopts law phasing out Russian gas, with LNG ban from 2027

On January 26, 2026 the Council of the EU adopted the regulation that phases out Russian gas imports, covering both pipeline gas and LNG. The full LNG import ban starts at the beginning of 2027 and the full pipeline ban in autumn 2027, with transition periods for existing contracts. For gas traders it sets a firm end date for Russian LNG into Europe and raises the pressure on buyers to secure other supply.

• Adopted January 26, 2026 by the 27 member states
• Full LNG import ban from the beginning of 2027
• Full pipeline gas import ban from autumn 2027
• Existing contracts have a transition period