EU energy ministers have agreed to phase out all Russian gas, banning new contracts from January 1, 2026. Both Hungary and Slovakia voted against, but the decision passed with a qualified majority. The next step is negotiations with the European Parliament, which wants to move faster and further.
EU energy ministers agreed on October 20, 2025, to a plan to completely phase out Russian gas from the union. New contracts with Russian gas suppliers are banned from January 1, 2026. Existing short-term agreements may continue until June 17, 2026, while long-term agreements can run until January 1, 2028.
Hungary and Slovakia were the only member states to vote against the proposal. Despite this, it was adopted by qualified majority in the Council of Ministers. The decision is a step in the EU's strategy to reduce dependence on Russian energy, in line with ongoing sanctions against Russia.
The next phase involves final negotiations with the European Parliament, which advocates a tougher approach. The Parliament wants faster timelines for gas and to extend restrictions to include Russian oil as well. This could lead to a more ambitious agreement, but details remain to be seen.