LUXEMBOURG — Plans for the EU to finally stop the import of Russian gas have passed their first major test, gaining the support of capitals from across the bloc despite last-minute efforts to water down the rules.
At a meeting of energy ministers in Luxembourg on Monday, a majority of delegations backed the flagship REPowerEU strategy, which introduces a deadline of next year for companies to end short-term purchases of Moscow’s fuel and a hard stop ending in 2027 for long-term contracts.
According to two diplomats and officials, the Council adopted the initiative and agreed to a general approach, with only two countries — Hungary and Slovakia — opposing its passage.
“Although we have worked hard and pushed to get Russian gas and oil out of Europe in recent years, we are not there yet,” said Danish Energy Minister Lars Aagaard in a statement. “Therefore, it is crucial that the Danish Presidency has secured an overwhelming support from Europe’s energy ministers for the legislation that will definitively ban Russian gas from coming into the EU.”
