European Parliament Approves Ban on Russian Gas Imports
According to the Economic Desk of Webangah News Agency, the European Union is moving forward with plans to eliminate reliance on Russian gas, with the European Parliament voting to approve a ban on imports.
European lawmakers approved the prohibition with 500 votes in favor, 120 against, and 32 abstentions. The ban requires formal approval by EU ministers, expected early next year, and officials anticipate the countries will adopt the ban without changes.
The legislation is structured to secure passage with a majority of member states, overcoming potential objections from Hungary and Slovakia, which seek to maintain close ties with Moscow.
The agreement stipulates that the EU will halt imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) by the end of 2026 and pipeline gas imports by the end of September 2027.
As of October 2025, Russia accounted for 12 percent of the EU’s gas imports, a significant drop from the 45 percent share it held before the onset of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. Some countries, including Hungary, France, and Belgium, continue to receive Russian gas.
The European Commission stated that it will propose legislation in early 2026 to gradually reduce Russian oil imports, according to Reuters.
