Russia faces a future LNG ban from the EU under proposed sanctions, slated to take effect in 2027.
The European Union (EU) is deliberating on a new round of sanctions against Russia, following a series of heavy air strikes on Ukraine. This proposed 19th sanctions package, according to the EU Commission, aims to significantly tighten restrictions on Russia.
In the first half of 2025, the EU imported Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) worth nearly 4.5 billion euros. Remarkably, more than half of the Russian gas imported by the EU comes in the form of LNG. Last year, Russian gas supplies accounted for around one fifth of all EU gas imports.
The EU Commission's current concept plans to gradually phase out and completely end the import of Russian gas by the end of 2027. In a bid to expedite this process, the Commission wants to accelerate the deadline for a full ban on Russian LNG imports into the EU, with the ban now set to come into effect as early as the beginning of 2027.
Plans for new export bans on goods and services that could be used by the Russian defense industry or strengthen Russian industrial capacities are also being proposed. Stricter action against the use of cryptocurrencies is planned as part of the new sanctions. Measures against the Russian credit card system (Mir) and the quick payment system SBP are being considered.
Moreover, the sanctions package includes denying further banks in Russia and friendly countries access to EU capital markets. This move is intended to exert pressure on Russia's financial sector.
The voting process for these proposed sanctions is expected to be challenging, particularly since some countries like Hungary are critically opposed to any new sanctions. A difficult voting process is anticipated, given the diverse stances among EU member states.
Notably, Germany and France, along with Nordic and Eastern European countries, have advocated for a very robust new sanctions package. On the other hand, Spain supports sanctions against Israel, and Germany shows a more cautious stance regarding Israel sanctions.
The EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, stated that Europe wants peace for Ukraine, but Russia's escalation of aggression has violated the borders of the EU. US President Donald Trump has expressed his frustration with Putin's course and offered to join new sanctions against Russia.
Representatives of EU countries will discuss the proposed sanctions over the next few days. The outcome of these discussions could shape the EU's response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its relations with Russia moving forward.
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