Ahead of the vote in the European Parliament on the Regulation phasing out imports of Russian natural gas, the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group underlines that the agreement reached in the trilogues delivers a firm and lasting framework to block Russian gas from Europe’s energy market.

Rihards Kols MEP, ECR Shadow Rapporteur in the International Trade Committee, said:

“After difficult negotiations, we have finally reached an agreement that excludes Russian gas from Europe’s energy space. It is not perfect. We would have preferred a faster and stricter phase-out. However, it is a significant, practical and realistic result. The European Parliament’s position was firmer than that of the Commission and the Council, and this is clearly reflected in the final text.”

Unlike sanctions, which require renewal every six months, the Regulation establishes a permanent legal ban on Russian gas imports. While the agreement does not go as far or as fast as the ECR Group had argued for, it represents a realistic and meaningful step towards cutting off a key source of revenue financing Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

Mr Kols added:

“This framework removes the need to fight every six months over extensions and puts an end to the uncertainty created by political fluctuations. Russian gas will be blocked by a stable and permanent legal structure.”

The final agreement shortens key phase-out deadlines and brings the entry into force of the ban forward by three months compared to the original proposal, a change secured by the European Parliament. This will prevent billions of euros from flowing into the Kremlin’s budget.

Looking ahead, Mr Kols underlined the need for further action, by saying:

“The next step must follow without delay. A proposal to ban Russian oil and oil products and continued work on phasing out Russian nuclear fuel. Partial disengagement is not enough. Europe must dismantle the entire architecture of Russian energy dependence.”

The vote is expected to take place on Wednesday.