New EU sanctions package against Russia, gas imports must stop a year earlier

According to the original plan, Russian gas flows to Europe were supposed to stop by the end of 2027/beginning of 2028. Now, that deadline has been brought forward. The new deadline is January 1, 2027, writes EC foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

The European Commission, the executive body of the European Union, still needs to find support from all 27 member states. This could prove difficult, as Slovakia and Hungary are notorious troublemakers. These countries are still more dependent on Russian energy than other member states. Slovakia reluctantly agreed to the previous sanctions package , presented in July.

The new package isn't just about gas. The Mir payment system, similar to Russia's Mastercard and Visa, is also being sanctioned. Furthermore, financial evasion through cryptocurrencies, for example, must be combated. Several more banks will also face sanctions.

The sanctions list also includes individuals and companies "that provide support to the Russian military-industrial complex," Kallas writes. According to the EC, Russia must be cut off from "key technologies," especially drones.

It's striking that the sanctions aren't aimed solely at Russia itself. Communications from Kallas and the European Commission also address "third countries." Kallas specifically mentions China and India.

"We are targeting refineries, oil traders, and petrochemical companies in third countries, including China," reads a statement from EC President Ursula von der Leyen. The Commission also wants to expand the export ban to Russia to include certain chemicals and metal components.

According to Von der Leyen, Europe is prepared for a complete gas shutdown. "Europeans will be safe this winter." She also notes that the sanctions are having an effect. "Russia's overheated war economy is reaching its limits. Even more interesting is that when we speak with partners who have contact with Russia, they indicate that one of Russia's first requests is sanctions relief."

The EU spent more on LNG imports from Russia in the first half of this year (€4.5 billion) compared to the first half of 2024 (€3.5 billion).

In the Netherlands, LNG imports via Russia rose sharply again last year, after years of sharp declines since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. In 2024, this amounted to almost 2 billion cubic meters, according to preliminary figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS). This was approximately 70 percent more than a year earlier. Russian LNG thus accounted for approximately 9 percent of total Dutch liquefied natural gas imports.

The US is the main LNG supplier to the Netherlands. The accelerated import ban was also a request of US President Donald Trump.

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