EU Seeks to Break Free from Dependency on Russian Gas: Exploring the Future of Energy Transition - Accelerated LNG Blockade?

EU energy ministers have agreed on a plan to phase out Russian gas (both pipeline and LNG) by January 1, 2028. The roadmap includes a ban on new contracts starting in January 2026, with short-term contracts ending by June of the same year, and long-term contracts by January 2028. Dependency has decreased from **45% in 2021 to about 12-13% by 2025**, but some member states are opposed. The European Parliament supports an accelerated timeline, making future trilateral negotiations a focal point. The prohibition on advancing the LNG phase-out to 2027 is also under discussion as part of a sanctions package. Gas from Russia via Ukraine ceased in early 2025, with alternatives being supplied by Norway, the U.S., and Qatari LNG.