EU Divided on Russian Gas Ban as Slovakia and Hungary Object

Strategic Insights -

A plan to ban Russian gas imports into the European Union was blocked by Slovakia and Hungary at a meeting of EU ministers in Luxembourg, leaving only 25 countries in support of the EU Council's conclusions. The European Commission intends to ban imports of Russian gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) into the EU by the end of 2027, but individual measures will require a qualified majority, which can be overridden by a majority of EU member states. The EU's energy commissioner, Dan Jorgensen, stated that companies would be able to invoke "force majeure" and terminate Russian gas import contracts without facing sanctions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Slovakia and Hungary opposed the plan to ban Russian gas imports, citing national sovereignty and energy security concerns.
  • The European Commission intends to ban Russian gas and LNG imports into the EU by the end of 2027.
  • A qualified majority, achieved by 55% of EU member states voting in favor and 65% of the total EU population, can override individual measure objections.
  • Hungarian Foreign and Trade Minister Peter Szijjarto stated that energy policy is a national competence and the plan endangers their sovereignty and energy security.
  • Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen clarified that companies can invoke "force majeure" to terminate Russian gas import contracts without facing sanctions.
  • The EU executive's plan includes nine concrete measures for a coordinated and gradual phase-out of Russian energy supplies.
  • The plan proposes a ban on new contracts with Russian gas suppliers and halting existing spot contracts by the end of the year.
  • The remaining Russian gas supply to the EU will be reduced by one-third by the end of this year.

Statistics:

  • 25 EU member countries supported the EU Council's conclusions in Luxembourg.
  • The European Commission plans to ban Russian gas and LNG imports into the EU by the end of 2027.
  • A qualified majority requires 55% of EU member states to vote in favor (15 out of 27 members) and support from at least 65% of the total EU population.
  • 9 concrete measures are included in the EU executive's plan for a coordinated and gradual phase-out of Russian energy supplies.
  • The remaining Russian gas supply to the EU will be reduced by one-third by the end of this year.

Sources:

  • European Commission press release on May 6, introducing the plan to ban Russian gas and LNG imports.
  • Reuters news agency report on EU ministers' meeting in Luxembourg on June 16.
  • Hungarian Foreign and Trade Minister Peter Szijjarto's statement on social network X.