EU to gradually ban Russian LNG imports

The European Union has included a complete ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas under short-term contracts from April 25, 2026, and under long-term contracts from January 1, 2027, in its 19th sanctions package, according to a decree by the Council of the EU published in the Official Journal of the EU.

In particular, the purchase, import, or transfer, directly or indirectly, of LNG produced or exported from Russia is prohibited from April 25, 2026.

If the contract term exceeds one year and was concluded before June 17, 2025, the ban under such an agreement will take effect on January 1, 2027.

The sanctions also prohibit the provision, directly or indirectly, of technical assistance, brokerage and financial services, financing, or any other services related to the import of Russian LNG.