In a historic move of energy and geopolitical significance, the European Union published today the REPowerEU regulation for natural gas (EU/2026/261), which establishes the binding legal framework for completely ending imports of Russian natural gas by 2027. The new regulation, approved in late 2025 and published today in the Official Journal of the European Union, aims to definitively end the EU’s energy dependence on Russia, almost four years after the start of the invasion of Ukraine and Moscow’s systematic “weaponization” of energy.
REPowerEU: EU timeline for complete independence from Russian natural gas
The regulation provides for a specific and phased timeline of prohibitions:
- From April 25, 2026, short-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) import contracts are banned.
- From June 17, 2026, short-term natural gas contracts via pipelines are banned.
- From January 1, 2027, long-term LNG import contracts are banned.
- From September 30, 2027, natural gas imports via pipelines under long-term contracts are terminated.
As an exception, member states may extend the deadline until October 31, 2027, provided that natural gas storage levels are below mandatory safety limits.
The publication of the regulation in the Official Journal means it comes into force the following day, making its provisions binding for all member states. Simultaneously, the European Commission accompanied the regulation’s publication with an official statement on the gradual elimination of Russian oil imports (EU/2026/268). As stated, the Commission intends to submit a legislative proposal by early 2026, aiming for a complete ban on oil imports from the Russian Federation as soon as possible and no later than 2027.
Greece’s pivotal role through the Vertical Corridor & messages from Papastafrou-Exarchou
This development accelerates processes for the development of the Vertical Energy Corridor and leveraging Greece’s geopolitical position in Europe’s effort to become independent from Russian energy sources, using American liquefied natural gas (LNG). According to the new regulation, EU member states must prepare for the complete elimination of Russian gas in a coordinated manner to give the market sufficient adjustment time, without creating risks to supply security or significant impact on energy prices. Thus, EU countries will need to draft national gas diversification plans and submit them to the Commission by March 1, 2026.
Papastafrou: Vertical Corridor a matter of national importance
Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastafrou commented on the energy developments, speaking to ERT, emphasizing that the decision to become independent from Russian natural gas represents a shift in regional balance and ends the paradoxical phenomenon of Europe supporting Ukraine on one hand while financing Russia’s war through natural gas purchases on the other. He added that the new emerging situation offers Greece the opportunity to play the role of an energy hub in Europe through the Vertical Corridor.
“The success of the Vertical Corridor changes the balance. It creates alternative routes for Europe, upgrades Greece’s role as a reliable energy hub in the region and limits Turkey’s energy role. It is a matter of national interest and strategic choice,” he stated and emphasized that the Vertical Corridor is not only a complex unprecedented undertaking, but also something more than an energy project, as it opens opportunities for trade, transport and the broader economy. Indeed, Mr. Papastafrou noted that the Energy Corridor’s success is a matter of national strategy, pointed out that the US places particular importance on the Vertical Corridor’s success and announced that on February 24, 2026, a meeting of Energy Ministers from involved countries will take place in Washington with American officials to rapidly advance the project.
Exarchou: Europe must support the vertical energy axis
It is reminded that the president and CEO of AKTOR Group and CEO of ATLANTIC SEE LNG TRADE, Alexandros Exarchou, speaking recently from Davos, noted that if EU member states are serious about banning Russian natural gas imports, they should have already rushed to secure guaranteed quantities and prices with long-term contracts from other suppliers, such as the US. Otherwise, as he commented, if they wait until 2028 to make decisions, they risk finding themselves in a disadvantageous negotiating position, calling for consistency between words and actions from the EU. Indeed, Mr. Exarchou emphasized that we must adapt immediately to the new situation and stressed the need for Europe to subsidize, support and upgrade the vertical energy axis and its infrastructure, to make American LNG supply more economical.
