politics
Spanish Calls to Delay EU Russian LNG Ban Highlight Lingering Doubts as 2027 Deadline Nears
Calls from a senior executive at Spain’s Port of Bilbao to delay the EU’s ban on Russian gas and LNG imports underscore lingering concerns over energy security and growing dependence on U.S. supplies, even as Brussels insists the bloc remains on track to sever its remaining gas ties with Moscow from Jan. 1, 2027.
Published
Spain’s calls to postpone the European Union’s upcoming ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports have highlighted persistent concerns over the bloc’s energy security, even as Brussels continues to insist it will press ahead with the measure when it takes effect in six months.
Ivan Jimenez, head of the Port of Bilbao, one of Europe’s largest LNG import hubs, said the EU should reconsider the timing of the Jan. 1, 2027 ban, warning that replacing Russian volumes too quickly would leave Europe increasingly dependent on U.S. LNG and reduce supply diversity, he told the Financial Times.
While Jimenez said the bloc should ultimately eliminate Russian gas imports, he argued that the transition should be more gradual to avoid undermining Europe’s energy resilience. His comments come despite Spain’s Energy Minister Sara Aagesen reiterating that Madrid supports implementing the ban on schedule.
Doubts over feasibility
The remarks are the latest sign that concerns over the feasibility and economic impact of the EU’s gas phase-out continue to surface, despite the legislation having already been adopted and repeatedly defended by European leaders.
The EU formally approved the legislation in January after nearly four years of efforts to unwind its dependence on Russian gas following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The regulation introduced a phased approach designed to minimize market disruption.
Contracts will expire on Jan. 1, 2027
Imports under short-term contracts have already been phased out, while a ban on transshipment services for Russian LNG destined for non-EU countries entered into force earlier as an initial step to curb Russia’s global exports.
Potential loophole
Courtesy of Elengy Existing long-term LNG contracts will expire on Jan. 1, 2027, when imports of Russian LNG into the EU will cease. Pipeline gas imports under long-term contracts will end later in 2027.
Last week, the European Commission also closed what companies had viewed as a potential loophole by clarifying that EU-based firms will not be allowed to buy, sell, market or transport Russian LNG anywhere in the world once the ban takes effect, even if cargoes are destined for non-EU customers.
The clarification reinforced Brussels’ determination to eliminate the bloc’s remaining commercial involvement with Russian gas.
Nevertheless, some governments and companies have continued to question aspects of the policy. Hungary and Slovakia opposed the legislation throughout negotiations and have challenged the ban, arguing it threatens their energy security.
Major importers with long-term contracts, including Spain’s Naturgy and France’s TotalEnergies, have also warned that the rules could create legal and commercial complications, particularly after the Commission ruled out reselling Russian LNG outside Europe.
Increasing reliance on US LNG
The Spanish intervention also comes against the backdrop of Europe’s growing reliance on U.S. LNG.
The United States has become the EU’s largest LNG supplier since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, accounting for roughly two-thirds of imports compared with just 24% in 2021.
Analysts estimate that around 15 million metric tons per annum of Russian LNG imported under long-term contracts will have to be replaced from next year, likely increasing Europe’s dependence on American cargoes unless additional supplies emerge from Qatar, Canada or other producers.
End Europe’s vulnerability to “energy blackmail”
Energy blackmail
Despite those concerns, the European Commission has repeatedly insisted the phase-out remains legally robust and strategically necessary to prevent Russia from using energy exports as political leverage.
EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen said earlier this year the legislation would end Europe’s vulnerability to “energy blackmail” while cutting revenues that help finance Russia’s war in Ukraine.
For now, Spain’s latest intervention suggests dissenting voices continue to emerge as implementation draws closer. But with only six months remaining before the LNG ban takes effect and Brussels continuing to tighten its interpretation of the rules, there is little indication that the EU intends to alter course.
