Phasing out Russian gas by 2027 – finally, concrete steps

Today, the European Commission published the Roadmap towards ending Russian energy imports, outlining a comprehensive strategy to phase out Russian fossil fuel and nuclear imports by 2027. The Roadmap is long overdue, as the European Union (EU) has spent €101 billion on Russian gas since 2022. It comes at a crucial time for the EU as the bloc faces the need to redefine energy security and build independence amid rising global geopolitical tensions and trade disputes. Recent analysis by Strategic Perspectives shows that the EU has sufficient gas supplies as of 2027.

The key elements of the Roadmap show:  

1. The Commission plans to completely phase out Russian gas imports by 2027. Data from the EU Gas Insight shows that this is achievable by accelerating the pace of the net-zero transition in the EU and could lead to a sufficient gas demand reduction to avoid an increased dependence on U.S. LNG imports. To effectively cut Russian gas by 2027 without having to replace it with more LNG, the EU gas demand will need to decrease by around 50 bcm.
2. A legislative proposal will be issued to end short-term gas import contracts by 2025 and existing long-term contracts by 2027, requiring Member States to design national plans. European solidarity will be needed to support Member States in this effort to eliminate Russian energy.  
3. The actions are intended to phase out Russian gas supplies without creating new dependencies. The reference to the growing global LNG output and the EU having sufficient infrastructure can be interpreted as a clear sign that no more long-term contracts with the U.S. would be needed.   

Executive Director Linda Kalcher commented: “Phasing out Russian energy imports is long overdue. Every barrel of oil and shipment of LNG from Russia continue to finance a war and pose an immense security risk to Europe. With this plan, Commissioner Jørgensen delivered what was promised to Ukraine three years ago: that the EU would end its toxic relationship with Russia by 2027. The EU’s work cannot stop here, though. This needs to be the beginning of phasing out all fossil fuels.”

Director Neil Makaroff analysed: “The Commission has decided to cut off our energy ties with the Kremlin and this is good news for Europe's security. The objective of ending Russian fossil fuel imports by 2027 is not only achievable, but has the potential to reduce Europeans' reliance on gas in the long term, including from Washington D.C. The net-zero transition is the best energy security plan Europe has.”

Energy Analyst Aymeric Kouam added: “Today’s Roadmap marks the end of an era - an era of heavy reliance on Russian gas for the EU’s energy needs. However, phasing out Russian gas cannot lead to a US LNG dependency. Setting out tangible steps for ending Russian energy imports by 2027 is the first step for a well-managed gas phase-out. Solidarity and coordination among Member States will be key.”

Media contact:   

Mirta Baselovic, Communications Officer

mirta.baselovic@strategicperspectives.eu | +32 471 89 08 96