EU Poised to Propose Ban on Russian LNG Imports by 2027, Sources Say

The European Commission is set to propose a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports by January 1, 2027—one year earlier than previously scheduled—under the bloc’s 19th package of sanctions against Moscow, EU sources said on Friday.

The Commission is expected to unveil the proposed package later in the day. The new measures are also likely to target Russia’s shadow tanker fleet, cryptocurrencies, Russian and Central Asian banks, Chinese refineries, and economic zones that Moscow has been using to evade customs controls and import dual-use goods for its military.

According to one source, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pushed for the LNG ban after her recent discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump, making it a “priority” item in the package.

The EU had initially planned a phased withdrawal of Russian LNG purchases through January 1, 2028, under existing legal provisions. However, Trump has repeatedly pressed Brussels to end Russian energy imports sooner as part of broader efforts to ramp up pressure on Moscow.