**The European Commission's strategic plan emphasizes the need for energy diversification, efficiency, and renewable resources.**
**EU Aims to Stop Russian Gas Imports by 2027**
**EU Aims to Stop Russian Gas Imports by 2027**
**New roadmap sets clear goals to end European dependence on Russian energy sources, amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.**
The European Commission has unveiled a comprehensive "roadmap" that aims to eradicate dependence on Russian energy supplies by the end of 2027. This ambitious initiative includes a complete halt on imports of Russian gas and liquefied natural gas to all European Union member states. European Commissioner for Energy Dan Jorgensen emphasized at a press conference in Strasbourg on Tuesday the necessity of this move, stating, "We will no longer allow Russia to exploit energy as a weapon against us or bolster their military efforts through our imports."
In reaction to these developments, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remarked to Reuters that such decisions were a form of self-sabotage for Europe. The EU’s resolve to sever energy ties with Moscow solidified after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Legislative proposals aimed at this objective will be presented in June, requiring all member states to devise individual plans for diminishing their imports of Russian gas, oil, and nuclear materials.
The Commission asserts that EU countries must propose strategies to phase out Russian oil imports by the end of 2027 while also ensuring a reduction in reliance on uranium and other nuclear materials sourced from Russia. The EU's strategy includes enhancing energy efficiency, accelerating the use of renewable energy, and diversifying supply sources to mitigate risks associated with reliance on Russian energy, which has significantly supported the Kremlin's war economy.
Although the EU has reduced its dependence on Russian fossil fuels, approximately 19% of its gas imports still originate from Russia, compared to 45% back in 2021. Similarly, the share of Russian oil imports is now down to 3%, a substantial decrease from 27% at the beginning of 2022. However, the report identified an ongoing need for further reductions, particularly concerning nuclear fuel, noting that Russian imports accounted for about 14% of uranium supplies in the EU as of 2024.
Jorgensen acknowledged the progress made but reiterated that it is insufficient, stressing that the transition away from Russian energy will be "stepwise and gradual" to limit economic disruptions within the EU. The roadmap also outlines targeted efforts against Russia's utilization of "shadow fleets," which consist of oil tankers with ambiguous ownership that Moscow employs to evade sanctions and sustain its oil exports.
In reaction to these developments, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remarked to Reuters that such decisions were a form of self-sabotage for Europe. The EU’s resolve to sever energy ties with Moscow solidified after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Legislative proposals aimed at this objective will be presented in June, requiring all member states to devise individual plans for diminishing their imports of Russian gas, oil, and nuclear materials.
The Commission asserts that EU countries must propose strategies to phase out Russian oil imports by the end of 2027 while also ensuring a reduction in reliance on uranium and other nuclear materials sourced from Russia. The EU's strategy includes enhancing energy efficiency, accelerating the use of renewable energy, and diversifying supply sources to mitigate risks associated with reliance on Russian energy, which has significantly supported the Kremlin's war economy.
Although the EU has reduced its dependence on Russian fossil fuels, approximately 19% of its gas imports still originate from Russia, compared to 45% back in 2021. Similarly, the share of Russian oil imports is now down to 3%, a substantial decrease from 27% at the beginning of 2022. However, the report identified an ongoing need for further reductions, particularly concerning nuclear fuel, noting that Russian imports accounted for about 14% of uranium supplies in the EU as of 2024.
Jorgensen acknowledged the progress made but reiterated that it is insufficient, stressing that the transition away from Russian energy will be "stepwise and gradual" to limit economic disruptions within the EU. The roadmap also outlines targeted efforts against Russia's utilization of "shadow fleets," which consist of oil tankers with ambiguous ownership that Moscow employs to evade sanctions and sustain its oil exports.
