Some EU countries still importing Russian enegy

8th September 2025

EU countries are still purchasing Russian energy in 2025—notably LNG, and to lesser extents pipeline gas, oil, and nuclear fuel.

However, the EU has clearly committed to a full phase-out by end of 2027, with milestones set for contract restrictions and bans.

Some member states, particularly those historically reliant on Russian supplies, continue to express resistance or request leeway.

Piped Russian gas imports into the EU dropped from around 150 billion cubic meters (45% share) in 2021 to about 52 bcm (19%) in 2024

Crude oil imports from Russia declined from 27% of EU consumption to just 3% by 2024

Coal from Russia has been completely phased out

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Still Reaching Record Levels

While pipeline imports have decreased, Russian LNG imports soared in 2024 to roughly 16–17 million tonnes, a record high

In 2024, European imports of Russian LNG reached around 24.2 billion cubic meters, with pipeline imports at 49.5 bcm

Countries like Spain, Belgium, and France have been major importers due to their coastal LNG terminals

Much of this LNG isn't necessarily consumed in those landing countries — some is re-exported, and purchases are often driven by cheaper pricing and existing contract obligations

EU Plans to Fully Phase Out Russian Energy by 2027/2028

Under the REPowerEU plan, the EU aims to completely phase out Russian gas, oil, and nuclear energy imports by end of 2027:

New contracts for Russian gas are banned as of January 2026;

Short-term contracts to end by mid-2026;

Remaining long-term contracts to be phased out by end-2027

Oil imports will also be phased out by end-2027, with national diversification plans required

Despite this, exceptions remain for a few countries, such as Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria, which have pushed back or seek flexibility

Remaining Importers of Russian Energy

In 2024, around 10 EU countries still imported Russian gas, 3 countries were importing Russian oil, and 7 countries still received enriched uranium or nuclear fuel from Russia

Notably, Slovakia recently announced intentions to increase gas imports via TurkStream, diverging from EU policy

Austria has advocated retaining the option to resume Russian gas post-peace, and Hungary continues with energy links, particularly via nuclear projects.

What Does the UK Still Import From Russia?

Gas and Coal

The UK does not import any gas or coal from Russia. In fact, the UK government enacted bans effective January 1, 2023 for Russian LNG and from December 2022 for all Russian oil, coal, and gas

There are no pipelines between the UK and Russia, and back in 2021, less than 4% of UK gas supply was linked to Russian sources—primarily via Europe

From January 2023 onwards, official UK trade statistics show zero imports of Russian gas, oil, or coal.

Oil and Oil Products

The UK completely banned imports of Russian crude oil and oil products starting December 5, 2022

However, a “refining loophole” has allowed refined petroleum products made from Russian crude—processed in countries like India and Turkey—to continue entering the UK. These are legally considered as originating from the refinery country, not Russia

In 2023–2024, this workaround accounted for less than 6% of the UK’s seaborne oil product imports, including around £648 million worth in 2024—roughly 2 million tonnes—some of which generated £266 million in tax revenue for the Kremlin

While this remains a minor share, advocacy groups argue it still inadvertently funds Russia’s war effort and have urged the government to close the loophole

LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas)

The UK banned imports of Russian LNG effective January 1, 2023, and no Russian-sourced LNG has entered the UK since