EU Aims to Phase Out Russian Gas by 2028, Faces Legal and Political Hurdles
The EU plans to significantly reduce its reliance on Russian gas. It aims to import 16 bcm via Turk Stream and 20 bcm of LNG this year. The Commission seeks to regulate this using Articles 207 and 194 of the EU Treaty, facing opposition from Slovakia and Hungary.
The Commission's proposal, published on 17 June, targets a complete phase-out of Russian gas imports by 2028. Short-term contracts must end by 2026, and long-term ones by 2027. However, the legal basis for this regulation is contentious. While Article 207 grants exclusive competence in trade agreements, it doesn't explicitly cover import bans. The Council and some countries have raised concerns about this.
The Commission has offered guarantees to Slovakia, including a task force for energy transition support. Meanwhile, Hungary has threatened to obstruct decisions related to Russian sanctions, potentially affecting broader EU energy import policies.
The EU's plan to phase out Russian gas imports by 2028 is underway. The Commission seeks to regulate this using its trade and energy competencies, but faces opposition and legal basis concerns. The final outcome will depend on negotiations and potential compromises among EU members.
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