Energy Council Agrees to Completely Stop Russian Gas Imports to the EU

On 20 October, Energy Minister Žygimantas Vaičiūnas attended the meeting of the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy (TTE) Council in Luxembourg. During the Council meeting, the Council's general approach to the REPowerEU Regulation, which aims to completely ban russian gas imports by 2028, was approved. The ministers also discussed energy security and resilience in Ukraine and Moldova and their strategic integration into the EU energy market, and held a discussion on promoting electrification and the most appropriate measures for this.

EU energy ministers reached a general approach on the REPowerEU regulation proposal to phase out remaining gas imports from russia. A total ban will come into force on 1 January 2028, but from June 2026, russian gas should no longer be supplied under short-term contracts. The proposed regulation applies to both pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) and is a key part of the REPowerEU guidelines on ending russian energy imports, which were announced by the European Commission in May 2025. The proposal also aims to improve the monitoring and traceability of russian gas, while helping Member States to manage the transition and ensure energy security in the EU.

"Eventually, the Council has decided to turn off the russian tap. Another important step has been made today, and it is a historic one for the whole of Europe. A permanent ban on gas imports will prevent the financing of russia's war machine, help Europe become more resilient, and avoid any manipulation of energy supplies and prices in the future. We cannot accept lower ambitions or a slower pace; on the contrary, we hope that in further negotiations with the European Parliament, the provisions of the regulation will be further strengthened. We are seeing rapid growth in renewable energy production across Europe. This positive trend is helping to replace russian fossil fuels and is one of the main factors driving our transition to a safer, more sustainable, and independent energy system," Mr Vaičiūnas said.

The Council meeting discussed energy security and resilience in Ukraine and Moldova, as well as the strategic integration of these countries into the European Union's energy market. Lithuania expressed its strong support for Ukraine and Moldova's efforts to strengthen their energy independence and cooperate more closely with the EU, emphasizing the importance of long-term support for Ukraine.

"First of all, we condemn russia's attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Lithuania has supported and will continue to support Ukraine in every way possible. In the long term, it is important to share best practices between EU Member States, Ukraine, and Moldova. Ukraine, for its part, can share valuable knowledge on ensuring energy security and protecting critical energy infrastructure, based on its direct experience. The accession of Ukraine and Moldova to the European Union by 2030 is a strategic goal, which is regarded as an investment in long-term peace and security in Europe," the Minister noted.

On the sidelines of the Council meeting, Energy Minister Vaičiūnas met with German Economy and Energy Minister Katherina Reiche and joined a meeting of the EU's 'Friends of Renewables' group.

A meeting with Polish Energy Minister Miłosz Motyka is scheduled for later. The energy ministers will discuss issues related to the energy partnership and cooperation between Lithuania and Poland. Energy Minister Žygimantas Vaičiūnas will also meet with Danish Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities Lars Aagaard and Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Energy responsible for European Integration Olha Yukhymchuk.

On 21 October, Energy Minister Vaičiūnas will continue his visit in Brussels, where he will meet with EU officials.

The next meeting of the EU Energy Council will take place on 15 December in Brussels.