Europe Takes First Step Towards Energy Independence from Russia

The ambassadors of the European Union have approved a plan to phase out imports of Russian oil and gas by January 2028, marking the first political step towards legislative approval. The document has now been submitted to ministers, whose meeting is scheduled for October 20.

According to Reuters, diplomats have indicated that nearly all EU countries have supported the initiative, despite objections from Hungary and Slovakia, which maintain close ties with Moscow. The plan aims to halt new contracts for Russian gas supplies starting January 2026 and to terminate existing contracts by 2028.

Currently, Russian gas accounts for about 12% of EU supplies, down from 45% before Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, the EU is discussing new sanctions that could expedite a complete ban on liquefied natural gas imports by 2027.