In a bold yet contentious move, the European Commission has formally proposed a complete ban on Russian natural gas imports by the end of 2027, as part of a broader effort to sever the European Union’s longstanding energy ties with Moscow. The announcement, made by Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen on June 17 in Strasbourg, marks a significant escalation in the EU’s energy strategy, following years of rising tensions with Russia-most notably since the onset of the Ukraine war in 2022.

Jorgensen outlined the plan as a two-phase approach: a ban on new contracts with Russian gas suppliers beginning in 2026, followed by a full phaseout of all imports by 2027. The initiative received the blessing of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, signaling strong support from Brussels’ highest leadership. “Today, we have decided to close the tap on Russian gas,” Jorgensen declared. “Because the less energy we import from Russia, the more security and independence we will have in Europe.”

While the move is being celebrated by many within the EU establishment as a decisive step toward energy independence and geopolitical resilience, it has drawn sharp criticism from several member states who rely heavily on Russian gas. Hungary, Austria, and Slovakia have already voiced their strong objections to the proposal. Italy is also reportedly uneasy with the plan, given its significant consumption of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has been especially vocal, vowing to block the measure and denouncing the policy as “absolute insanity.” His Foreign Minister,........

© Blitz