EU Member States will check the country of origin of gas before allowing it onto the market: Committee on Energy and Housing

Press Service of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine
28 January 2026, 14:25

 

The Committee on Energy and Housing and Utilities welcomes the European Union's decision to phase out russian gas imports.

On 26 January 2026, the 27 member states of the European Union officially adopted a regulation providing for a phased ban on imports of russian pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

According to the regulation:

- the ban on russian gas imports will take effect six weeks after it comes into force;

- a transition period is provided for existing contracts;

- a complete ban on LNG imports will take effect at the beginning of 2027;

- imports of pipeline gas will be phased out from autumn 2027.

The new rules provide for enhanced monitoring of the origin of gas, requirements for contract transparency and obligations to diversify energy supply sources. The phased nature of the ban will minimise the impact on prices and the stability of energy markets.

«EU Member States will check the country of origin of gas before it is allowed onto the Union market. Significant financial penalties are provided for violations of the regulation, including multi-million fines and interest on companies' annual turnover,» the Committee emphasises.

The European Union's decision is a key element in the implementation of the REPowerEU strategy, which aims to completely end the EU's energy dependence on the russian federation. «It is also important for Ukraine, as it strengthens European energy security and creates additional preconditions for Ukraine's further integration into the EU energy market,» the Committee noted.