**Article:**
On Monday, European Union countries formally approved legislation to ban imports of Russian gas by the end of 2027. This decision makes the EU’s commitment to end reliance on Russian energy legally binding. The move comes nearly four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which prompted the bloc to seek alternative energy sources and reduce its dependence on Moscow.
The ban is part of a broader EU strategy to enhance energy security and support Ukraine amid ongoing conflict. It reflects a significant shift in the bloc’s energy policy, given that Russia was previously one of its largest gas suppliers. The new law sets a clear deadline for member states to phase out Russian gas imports and accelerate the transition to other energy sources.
**Why this matters:**
The EU’s decision to ban Russian gas imports marks a critical step in reducing economic ties with Russia and limiting its influence over European energy markets. It also signals the bloc’s commitment to energy diversification and resilience, which are key to maintaining stability and supporting Ukraine during the conflict. The policy will have wide-ranging implications for energy prices, supply chains, and geopolitical relations in the coming years.
Source: NewsData