The European Commission announced on Tuesday (6) that it will propose legal measures next month to gradually get rid of imports of Russian gas and LNG (LNG) by the European Union (EU) by the end of 2027.
I promised the bloc Final energy relations with RussiaThe former main resource of the mass, after the extensive invasion of Ukraine by Moscow in 2022. The organization described how it planned to do this in a “scenario” published on Tuesday (6).
He said that the European Union Executive Authority will submit a proposal in June to prohibit the remaining imports of liquefied gas and natural gas (LNG) under the current contracts by the end of 2027.
The committee will also suggest, in the same month, the ban on Russian gas imports under new agreements and contracts spot Until the end of 2025.
“It is time for Europe to completely reduce energy relations with an unreliable resource. The energy that comes to our continent should not pay the price of the war against Ukraine,” said Ursula von de Lin, President of the European Commission.
The United States presses Russia for a peace agreement with Ukraine, which, if access, can reopen the doors of Russian energy trade and reduce sanctions.
But although the executives of some of the European Union industries have indicated support for the return of Russian gas, The European Union continues the efforts made to break energy relations for decades with Moscow.
About 19 % of European gas still comes from Russia, through the TURKSTREAM pipeline and LNG charges – however, the number represents a decrease from about 45 % before 2022.
The European Commission indicated the desire to buy more LNG from the United States to replace Russian folders, a measure required by President Donald Trump as a way to reduce the European Union’s trade surplus with the country.
Approval is necessary to finish imports
The committee has not specified the legal options that must be used to allow European companies to cancel the current Russian gas contracts.
The new legislative proposals need the approval of the European Parliament and the reinforced majority of the European Union countries.
The European group imposed sanctions on Russian coal and most of the oil imports, but not gas. This is due to the opposition of Slovakia and Hungary, which receives the supply of Russian pipelines and claims that the transition to alternatives will increase energy prices.
The sanctions require unanimous approval from the 27 European Union countries.
European Union countries will be asked to provide national plans to gradually eliminate Russian gas, and in the case of Slovakia and Hungary, which still import more than 80 % of Russian oil.
The total liquefied natural gas supply must remain restricted this year, but with the presence of the new supply scheduled for 2026 in countries like the United States and Qatar, the global surplus is expected to be by 2030, and the International Energy Agency is expected to be.
The committee stated that if the proposals are implemented in parallel with the development of the global market, it must limit any effect that may be the gradual disposal of Russian gas on European energy prices.
The European group also bets on renewable energy to reduce the total use of fossil fuel.
European buyers still have “Take-Ray” contracts with GazProm, which require those who refuse to receive gas to pay most of the contracted folders.
Lawyers say it will be difficult to summon the “force force” to end these agreements without exposing buyers to financial penalties or arbitration.
The European Union imported 32 BC from Russian gas by a pipeline and 20 BC from the Russian GNL last year.
In total, two -thirds of this offer comes from long -term contracts, while a third of one of the “instant” purchases is uncomfortable.
She said that the committee will also propose measures next month aimed at the Russian uranium enriched, including the restrictions imposed on new show contracts that have been declined by the EURATOM supplies.
