EU countries agree to ban Russian gas imports

EU countries have agreed to a definitive ban on Russian gas imports. This decision follows extensive negotiations and aims to end reliance on Russian energy. The ban will prohibit new gas contracts with Russia starting January 1, 2026. Existing short-term contracts are allowed until June 17, 2026, and long-term contracts until January 1, 2028. This move bypasses previous unanimous consent requirements for sanctions, as the ban is being implemented through a European regulation. Russia currently supplies 13% of the EU's gas imports, primarily as LNG.