The European Commission presented a new strategy on May 6, 2025, aimed at completely ending imports of Russian energy by the end of 2027.
The strategy outlines several key directions:
A full halt to imports of Russian gas, oil, coal, and uranium by 2027; a temporary replacement of Russian energy sources with LNG – including increased imports from the U.S., Qatar, and other allies, a move that has already sparked controversy due to its environmental and geopolitical implications; accelerated construction of wind and solar power plants; an increase in energy efficiency – through additional investments in the modernization of buildings, industry, and infrastructure, with the goal of reducing gas and electricity consumption; a crackdown on the so-called “shadow” imports of Russian energy via third countries; and also, a complete phase-out of Russian nuclear fuel imports – with support for the transition of nuclear reactors in member states that currently rely on Russian supplies.
More:
- Energy System Collapse Across the Peninsula – Power Outage Paralyzes Spain and Portugal
- EU Aviation Sector Almost Reached Pre-Pandemic Emission Levels – How to Reduce Pollution?
- Strategically Placed Solar Panels Do Not Disrupt Agriculture – Food and Electricity on the Same Plot
Although the document highlights that EU member states have made significant progress in reducing their dependence on Russian fossil fuels, data shows that imports of Russian gas increased by 18 percent in 2024, and that Russia still supplies about 13 percent of the EU’s total gas needs. A particular challenge lies in the aforementioned “shadow” tankers and informal energy flows via third countries, for which the EU still lacks a concrete solution.
The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) welcomes the EU’s determination to continue the phase-out of Russian energy – even if a peace agreement is reached – pointing out that the EU still spends hundreds of millions of euros every week on Russian fossil fuels. However, the EEB warns that replacing Russian coal and gas with American fracked gas is not a sustainable solution from either a security or economic perspective.
As noted, the Commission’s plan also includes ending imports of Russian uranium, as part of a broader package of measures to strengthen the Union’s energy security. Critics, however, argue that this is a unique opportunity for the EU to make a strategic leap toward its own renewable energy capacities and reduce reliance on distant and unreliable energy sources.
Energy portal
