EU Plans to Utterly Squeeze Moscow's Gas Imports by 2027, with Few Exceptions
EU Commissions advocates for halting gas imports from Moscow
In an audacious move against continued European dependence on Russian gas, the European Commission has suggested a phased estrangement from Russian gas suppliers. Brussels outlines a multi-step strategy, aiming to prohibit new gas contracts with Russian sources starting 2023, aiming for a complete halt by 2027 – though there are exceptions, at least for the interim.
"For far too long, Russia has manipulated gas supplies as a machinations tactic, attempting to bully us," explains EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. "We're taking decisive steps to sever the stranglehold of Russian fossil fuels across Europe."
Russian gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) made up around 19% of the 27 EU countries' gas imports last year, according to Commission figures. Approximately one-third of this was supplied under short-term contracts, easier to terminate. The Commission intends to ban these short-term supplies starting 17 June 2026.
Transportation via long-term contracts to countries lacking access to water and ports will be exempt until the end of 2027. Such countries, like Hungary and Slovakia, face logistical challenges in replacing Russian pipeline gas with LNG deliveries via ship and may continue importing substantial quantities from Russia over the next two years.
The Long Goodbye to Nord Stream 2
The proposal considers a more gradual transition for existing long-term contracts. The absolute end for Russian gas deliveries is set for the end of 2027, effectively ruling out any potential resumption of gas supplies through the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in Germany.
EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen assures, "No EU nation will face energy shortages due to this proposal." In the event that the energy security of one or more member states is threatened, the Commission can temporarily suspend the ban, according to the draft text.
Unlike traditional sanctions, the Commission bases its proposal on an article in the fundamental EU treaties, stating that EU legislation should "ensure the security of energy supply in the Union." This strategy allows Brussels to potentially bypass a possible veto from Hungary and Slovakia, as the proposal requires only a majority in the Council of EU member states – consisting of at least 15 countries representing at least 65% of the EU population – and the European Parliament's approval.
Background:- With this move, the EU aims to break away from reliance on a single supplier that has been exploited to exert geopolitical pressure.- Recent conflicts, notably the attack on Ukraine, have underscored the vulnerability of heavily dependent European countries.- The plan partly targets the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, strategically bypassing Ukraine and increasing Moscow's influence.
[1] ntv.de[2] AFP[3] [Enrichment Data] Additional specifics on the exceptions and timelines for phase-out.
- The European Commission's strategy for phasing out Russian gas dependencies, as announced in the context of the ongoing tension with Moscow, is grounded in the economic and monetary union's community policy, with a focus on financial cooperation and economic stability.
- The EU's ambitious plan to diminish reliance on Russian gas imports, aimed at fostering energy security and economic independence, is a significant political move that transcends general-news, influencing the economic and monetary union's structure and the fiscal cooperation between member states.
