EU Eyes End to Russian Energy Imports by 2028
In a move aimed at curbing Russia's influence in European energy markets, the European Union has agreed to phase out Russian oil and gas imports by 2028. The draft regulation, which was approved by EU energy ministers during a meeting in Luxembourg on Monday, sets out a timeline for member states to halt new Russian import contracts.
The plan, which requires a weighted majority of 15 states to pass, would see existing short-term contracts from June 2026 and long-term contracts phased out by January 2028. The move is seen as a crucial step towards making Europe energy independent, with Denmark's energy minister Lars Aagaard describing it as "a crucial" measure.
The EU has already brought down Russian oil imports to just 3 percent of its overall share, but Russian gas still makes up 13 percent of gas imports, accounting for more than €15 billion annually. The plan is expected to have a significant impact on countries that rely heavily on Russian energy, including Hungary and Slovakia.
However, not all EU member states are on board with the latest initiative. Budapest's top diplomat Peter Szijjarto expressed concerns that the plan would "kill" Hungary's safe supply of energy. Despite this, the regulation only needed a weighted majority to pass, meaning Hungary and other opposing countries could not block it.
The move is part of a broader EU strategy to curb Russian energy dependence amid the war in Ukraine. The European Union has been calling on member states to reduce their reliance on Russian energy sources, with US President Donald Trump previously urging European states to stop "funding the war against themselves".
As the plan moves forward, the EU is also negotiating new sanctions against Russia that would ban LNG imports one year earlier, from January 2027. The EU's high representative for foreign affairs Kaja Kallas said earlier on Monday that the new sanctions package could be approved as early as this week.
In a move aimed at curbing Russia's influence in European energy markets, the European Union has agreed to phase out Russian oil and gas imports by 2028. The draft regulation, which was approved by EU energy ministers during a meeting in Luxembourg on Monday, sets out a timeline for member states to halt new Russian import contracts.
The plan, which requires a weighted majority of 15 states to pass, would see existing short-term contracts from June 2026 and long-term contracts phased out by January 2028. The move is seen as a crucial step towards making Europe energy independent, with Denmark's energy minister Lars Aagaard describing it as "a crucial" measure.
The EU has already brought down Russian oil imports to just 3 percent of its overall share, but Russian gas still makes up 13 percent of gas imports, accounting for more than €15 billion annually. The plan is expected to have a significant impact on countries that rely heavily on Russian energy, including Hungary and Slovakia.
However, not all EU member states are on board with the latest initiative. Budapest's top diplomat Peter Szijjarto expressed concerns that the plan would "kill" Hungary's safe supply of energy. Despite this, the regulation only needed a weighted majority to pass, meaning Hungary and other opposing countries could not block it.
The move is part of a broader EU strategy to curb Russian energy dependence amid the war in Ukraine. The European Union has been calling on member states to reduce their reliance on Russian energy sources, with US President Donald Trump previously urging European states to stop "funding the war against themselves".
As the plan moves forward, the EU is also negotiating new sanctions against Russia that would ban LNG imports one year earlier, from January 2027. The EU's high representative for foreign affairs Kaja Kallas said earlier on Monday that the new sanctions package could be approved as early as this week.
I'm not convinced this plan is gonna work out so good for Europe... they're talkin' about phasin' out Russian energy imports by 2028, but what's the plan B? They're just shiftin' the problem from Russia to other countries... like China or Iran. And Hungary's like "uh-uh" 'cause it's their only safe energy supply 
. I need to see some data on how this is gonna work out in practice, not just some politicians talkin'. Where's the research? How's this impactin' the economy? 
like, finally, the EU is taking steps to get its act together and reduce its reliance on Russia's energy... but, I mean, 2028? That feels like a pretty long time away... 
especially if you're one of those countries that relies heavily on Russian gas. Hungary's just gonna be all, "thank you very much" for killing their energy supply 
. And can we talk about how this plan is just a Band-Aid solution? They're only phasing out contracts now because Russia's been making Europe sweat... 
I guess it's better than nothing?
They're finally taking a stand against Russia's energy grip, but it's like they need to agree on something first? 15 states needing to weigh in on a single decision is just ridiculous. And what about all the existing contracts that can't be canceled overnight? It's gonna be a wild ride trying to get those countries off Russian energy supplies by 2028.
. But seriously, this move is huge and will have a significant impact on countries that rely heavily on Russian energy.
The EU's like "okay, Budapest, we know you're worried about your energy supply, but we can just send you more solar panels and wind turbines to make up for it" 
. But in all seriousness, this is an important step towards reducing our reliance on Russian energy sources.
just thinking about it and i think its gonna be super challenging for countries like hungary & slovakia to adjust 
and not being able to get that energy supply is gonna cause some serious economic strain on those nations 
2028 feels like a really short timeline to phase out all imports, they're gonna have to think fast about diversifying their energy sources & finding new suppliers ASAP 
Still, gotta respect the EU's efforts, and I'm rootin' for 'em! 
I can imagine how tough it must be for ppl in Hungary & Slovakia who rely heavily on Russian energy 
. I feel so bad 4 them, but at the same time, I think its awesome that EU is takin steps to make Europe more energy independent 
. Its like, we gotta take care of ourselves first, you know? 
Denmark's energy minister is literally the real MVP lol dont @ me 
I'm all about this move towards energy independence in Europe 
They're gonna cut off Russian energy imports by 2028? That's a huge deal! 
We gotta stick together and support each other...or at least our own energy needs. 
We already have prices rising because of the war in Ukraine and now we're going to add more costs to our bills? 
It feels like we're all just pawns in a game and nobody's considering the bigger picture... 
All this talk of energy independence in Europe is making me think we're setting ourselves up for a major mess... what's the plan B here? 
! I mean who needs Russia's energy in Europe anyway? 
. Hungary is a bit salty that their energy supply might get affected tho 
. Can't wait for those new sanctions to kick in too 
! EU's got this 
.
i dont think its a good idea to cut russian energy import by 2028 tho...its gonna cause a lot of problems 4 europe...theyre just gonna find another supplier or wanna pay more, u feel?