Today, the Socialists & Democrats in the European Parliament voted in favour of a mandate to bring forward the complete ban on Russian oil imports to 1 January 2026 and Russian gas imports to 1 January 2027.  

This ambitious mandate lays the groundwork for upcoming negotiations with EU member states on the RePowerEU regulation, which aims to fully phase out Europe’s dependency on Russian fossil fuels. 

Backed by a broad parliamentary majority in the INTA and ITRE committees, including the S&Ds, the mandate also introduces a ban on new contracts and temporary storage of Russian gas starting 1 January 2026. In a key initiative led by the S&D Group, the mandate extends the ban to Russian oil imports also effective 1 January 2026. 

To close loopholes and prevent circumvention, the mandate stipulates that any gas physically transiting through Russian territory will be considered Russian and thus prohibited. It also strengthens import verification and enforcement measures, including minimum administrative fines of 5% of the infringing company’s worldwide annual turnover. 

Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, S&D MEP and ITRE committee negotiator, said:
 

“Europeans remember the increase in gas and electricity prices that we all experienced in 2021 and 2022. What has often been called an ‘energy crisis’ is actually a Russian gas shock. It is indeed Russia that weaponised the European dependence on Russian energy against the EU itself. The spirit of this regulation is simple: never again shall we allow Russia to manipulate our energy market and put millions of jobs at risk, never again will Russia be able to increase the energy bills paid by all Europeans families.” 

Francisco Assis, S&D MEP and INTA committee negotiator, added:

“For too long, Russia has used its gas and oil as tools of coercion, trying to undermine European stability. This mandate represents a decisive step towards genuine EU energy security. It shields our economy from untrusted dependencies, closes the loopholes and prevents circumvention. The sooner we end our dependence on Russian fossil fuels, the stronger and safer Europe will be.” 

Note to editors: 

Following today’s committee vote, the European Parliament will begin negotiations with the Council, which aims to reach a general approach by 20 October. Trilogue discussions are expected to start promptly, with the goal of finalising a deal before the end of 2025 under the Danish EU Presidency.