Europe is turning the taps off.
The European Commission announced that it will ban imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) by early 2027, stepping up pressure on Moscow’s war economy.
This move forms part of the EU’s 19th sanctions package against Russia.
“Russia’s war economy relies on revenues from fossil fuels.
We want to cut these revenues,” Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.
“We are banning imports of Russian energy into European markets.
It is time to turn off the tap.”
Prepared For Change
Moreover, the EU feels ready for this step.
Years of energy-saving measures, diversification of supply, and investment in low-carbon alternatives have prepared the bloc to act.
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In addition, Friday’s announcement followed von der Leyen’s recent conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, in which she discussed accelerating the halt of fossil fuel imports from Russia.
Beyond Energy
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Europe has targeted Russian coal and oil.
Until now, however, gas imports remained largely untouched.
In the first half of 2025, EU countries imported almost €4.5 billion (£3.9 billion) of Russian LNG.
Furthermore, in 2024, Russian gas still accounted for roughly a fifth of Europe’s imports, with more than half arriving as LNG.
The EU also plans to tighten the screws elsewhere.
Von der Leyen outlined additional sanctions targeting Russia’s financial sector and trade.
Nevertheless, the bloc must secure unanimous approval from all 27 member states before it can implement the ban—a reminder that even in unity, decisive action requires careful coordination.
