The European Union plans to tighten the rules for importing natural gas as part of its strategy to completely abandon Russian energy sources. According to the latest draft negotiation proposal, importers will be required to provide documentary evidence confirming the country of origin of the supplied gas if it is not produced in the Russian Federation.
This is reported by Finway
New Requirements for Importers and Suppliers
Under the proposed changes, each gas supplier will need to confirm that the imported product does not originate from Russia. This requirement will not apply only to countries that have already independently banned the import of Russian gas or imposed sanctions on it. Thus, the EU aims to prevent Russian gas from entering its market even through intermediaries or third countries.
“According to the draft, for the import of natural gas not produced in the Russian Federation, authorized bodies must be provided with evidence to establish the country of production of this natural gas.”
Timelines and Phases for Implementing Changes
The project, prepared by Denmark, which currently holds the EU presidency, envisions a gradual phase-out of new contracts with the Russian Federation starting in January 2026. According to the plan, the import of Russian gas under existing short-term contracts is set to cease by June 17, 2026, while long-term contracts will end in January 2028. By mid-October, the governments of EU countries must agree on a common position regarding the ban on Russian gas, after which negotiations will take place with the European Parliament, leading to a final legislative decision.