The European Commission has introduced a comprehensive strategy to eliminate all Russian gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports by the end of 2027. The plan, unveiled in Strasbourg on Tuesday, outlines the EU’s commitment to sever its energy ties with Russia, a move prompted by Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. European Commissioner for Energy Dan Jørgensen stated, “No more will we permit Russia to weaponise energy against us,” emphasizing the EU’s resolve to stop contributing to the Kremlin’s war finances.
As part of this roadmap, the Commission will present legislative proposals in June that require each EU member state to draft and implement national strategies to phase out Russian fossil fuels and nuclear materials. This includes reducing reliance on Russian gas, oil, uranium, enriched uranium, and other nuclear inputs. The plan also includes measures to enhance energy efficiency, boost renewable energy adoption, and diversify energy sources across the bloc.
Significant Decline in Russian Energy Imports Since Ukraine Invasion
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the EU has taken meaningful steps to reduce its dependence on Russian energy. In 2021, Russian gas accounted for 45% of the EU’s imports. That figure dropped to 19% in 2024. Russian oil imports have also seen a sharp decline—from 27% at the start of 2022 to just 3% today. However, the bloc still relies on Russia for over 14% of its uranium supply, which continues to raise concerns about energy security.
The European Commission’s latest report warned that continued reliance on Russian energy, including nuclear fuels and related services, poses ongoing risks to the EU’s economic stability and indirectly sustains Russia’s war efforts. “We’ve come far, but not far enough,” Jørgensen noted, stressing that the planned transition will be “stepwise and gradual” to mitigate economic disruption within the EU.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reacted critically to the announcement, claiming that Europe was “shooting itself in the foot” by cutting off Russian energy imports.
EU Pushes for Broader Sanctions and Energy Diversification
In addition to phasing out direct energy imports from Russia, the EU plans to crack down on Russia’s use of so-called “shadow fleets.” These are oil tankers with obscure ownership and insurance used by Russia to circumvent existing sanctions and maintain its global oil exports. Targeting this tactic is part of the broader effort to undermine Russia’s ability to profit from energy exports.
European Commission (EU) member states will be required to submit detailed national plans on how they will replace Russian energy sources and increase their energy resilience. This includes strategies for deploying renewable technologies, establishing alternative fuel supplies, and enhancing regional cooperation.
The EU’s roadmap not only represents a significant geopolitical pivot but also reflects its long-term climate and energy security ambitions. With the 2027 deadline now set, the coming years will be critical in reshaping Europe’s energy landscape and reducing its dependence on politically volatile sources.
