EU Council Agrees Landmark Phase out of Russian Gas Imports

EU Council Agrees Landmark Phase out of Russian Gas Imports 

The European Council has approved a sweeping regulation aiming to end imports of pipeline and liquefied natural gas from Russia, with the most significant measures to take effect starting 1 January 2026. 

Under the deal New Russian gas contracts will be prohibited from January 2026. 

Existing long term agreements may continue until January 2028 under certain conditions. 

Two member states, Hungary and Slovakia, voted against the regulation, citing concerns about energy security and reliance on Russian supplies.