EU Plans to End Russian Energy Imports by 2027
Brussels, Thursday, 15 May 2025.
The EU’s roadmap aims to eliminate Russian energy imports by 2027, focusing on oil, gas, and nuclear energy, enhancing Europe’s energy independence and resilience.
The REPowerEU Strategy
The European Union has set an ambitious objective through its REPowerEU strategy, aiming to eliminate dependency on Russian energy imports by 2027. The plan mandates the cessation of all contracts with Russian energy suppliers by the end of 2027, with spot contracts to be phased out by the end of 2025, reflecting a strategic move to reshape the continent’s energy framework and enhance global energy security [1][2].
Measures to Secure Energy Independence
Integral to the roadmap are measures like enforcing bans on new contracts for Russian uranium, alongside developing a ‘European Radioisotopes Valley’ to assure stable production of medical isotopes within the EU. Another critical aspect is the handling of Russia’s so-called ‘shadow fleet’ which attempts to evade EU sanctions. Stringent enforcement actions are planned to curb these illicit activities [1]. The roadmap’s overarching goal is to not just sever ties with Russian energy but to pivot decisively towards a greener future. The Commission also plans to propose legislative measures to support this transition, including transparency in gas contracts and promoting renewable energy projects [2].
Current Energy Market Dynamics
In 2025, natural gas prices in Europe have shifted considerably. The TTF Gas benchmark decreased by 15.06 EUR/MWh or 29.84% since January, influenced heavily by robust bidding activity, notably from Asian markets such as China and India, and restocking efforts across European utilities [3]. This fluctuating gas scenario highlights the urgent need for stable, independent energy resources as represented in the ongoing REPowerEU initiatives. EU’s natural gas demand is projected to drop significantly, with predictions showing a reduction by up to 50 bcm by 2027, as new global LNG capacities are forecasted to expand by over 200 bcm by 2028 [1].
Challenges from Member States
Not all EU members are aligned with the Commission’s ambitious timeline. Nations such as Hungary and Slovakia have historically relied heavily on Russian energy imports, which poses challenges to the EU’s united front [4]. Hungary, for instance, has a long-term agreement with Gazprom for gas supply, which it contends is crucial for its energy stability. Slovakia shares similar sentiments, expressing reluctance to fully embrace the energy transition outlined by the EU [5]. Despite these challenges, the European Commission remains steadfast in its commitment to reduce reliance on Russian imports as part of the wider geopolitical and economic strategy underpinning the REPowerEU plan [5].