Turn off the tap on Russian oil and gas from January 1

Europe is taking strong action to reduce its reliance on Russian energy. Today, the European Parliament’s Joint Committee on International Trade and Committee on Industry, Research and Energy backed a full ban on Russian gas and oil imports and approved starting negotiations with the EU Member States.

“I am pleased with the broad support from my colleagues for this important proposal, which plans a ban on all Russian oil and gas imports to the EU from 1 January 2026. We strengthened the European Commission's initial law proposal by including oil and its products, ending long-term contracts a year earlier - from 1 January 2027 - and adding penalties for noncompliance and deleting exceptions for Slovakia and Hungary,” said Inese Vaidere MEP, Parliament’s negotiator on the rules in the International Trade Committee.

Unlike sanctions, which need renewing every six months, the import ban is approved by Parliament and a qualified majority of member states and will stay in effect indefinitely. “Right now, Russia cannot be seen as a reliable energy partner,” Vaidere said. “Every euro paid to Russia helps fund its military. Since the start of the war, EU countries have paid over 210 billion euros for Russian fossil energy - almost as much as Russia has spent on the conflict.”

"REPowerEU is not just about cutting Russian gas - it’s about strengthening Europe’s energy independence and defending our values. That only works if enforcement is credible and consistent: with tight controls, genuine cooperation between Member States and EU institutions, and full accountability. Our proposal ensures just that - legal certainty for businesses, less red tape, and rules that close loopholes like shadow fleets and indirect imports. We introduce a risk-based authorisation regime with proof of origin and transparency where it matters most. By reinforcing enforcement while maintaining legal clarity, we protect both our energy security and the credibility of EU policy," continues Andrea Wechsler MEP, EPP Group negotiator in the Industry, Research and Energy Committee.

The rules cover gas, LNG, oil, and petroleum products. Member states will now negotiate to finalise the agreement so it can take effect on 1 January 2026.