European Union moves to phase out Russian gas and fertilizer imports

The European Union is working toward a complete phase-out of Russian energy imports, with a scheduled ban on long-term LNG contracts by early 2027 and a ban on Russian pipeline gas by autumn 2027. Despite these goals, Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) and pipeline gas continue to flow into the EU as existing contracts are honored. Analysis from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) indicates that EU countries remain the largest buyers of Russian LNG, accounting for nearly 49 percent of total exports.

In addition to gas, Brussels is implementing new trade barriers to reduce reliance on fertilizers from Russia and Belarus. This shift follows a significant increase in fertilizer imports to countries like Poland, which rose from 300,000 tons annually between 2009–2016 to approximately 1.5 million tons in 2024. While Russian urea has historically been more price-competitive—averaging 200 PLN cheaper per ton than domestic products—the EU is now seeking alternative suppliers to mitigate the economic and geopolitical risks associated with Russian commodities.