Archive · 27 Jan 2026
EU Approves Russian Gas Ban by 2027
The European Union has decided to stop buying gas from Russia.
Most countries agreed to this plan, but Hungary and Slovakia said no.
The EU will stop buying liquefied natural gas from Russia by the end of 2026 and pipeline gas by the end of 2027.
This is because Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, and the EU wants to reduce its dependence on Russian energy.
Russia used to supply over 40% of the EU's gas, but now it's much less.
Hungary and Slovakia are unhappy because they still rely on Russian gas and want to keep good relations with Russia.
They might challenge this decision in court.
EU countries approved a ban on Russian gas imports by 2027, with Hungary and Slovakia opposing.
The ban will halt liquefied natural gas imports by the end of 2026 and pipeline gas by September 30, 2027 (extendable to November 1, 2027).
Russia supplied over 40% of the EU's gas before the Ukraine war, but this dropped to around 13% in 2025.
The law was approved by a reinforced majority, allowing it to pass despite opposition from Hungary and Slovakia.
Hungary plans to challenge the decision in the European Court of Justice.
- Who
- European Union countries (except Hungary and Slovakia)
- What
- Approved a ban on Russian gas imports
- When
- January 26, 2026
- Where
- Brussels, Belgium
- Why
- To cut ties with Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine
- Approval Date
- January 26, 2026
- Ban on LNG Imports
- End of 2026
- Ban on Pipeline Gas
- September 30, 2027 (or November 1, 2027 at latest)
- Countries Opposed
- Hungary, Slovakia
- Russia's Gas Share Before War
- More than 40%
- Russia's Gas Share in 2025
- Around 13%
