EU plans to exempt key gas suppliers from additional checks

The European Union plans to exempt key gas suppliers from additional checks as it moves toward a full phase-out of Russian gas imports, Reuters reported, citing a draft European Commission document.

Under measures designed to enforce the ban on Russian gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG), the EU plans to introduce a “prior authorisation” requirement for imports. Companies would be required to submit proof at least five days before cargo arrival that the gas is not of Russian origin.

However, the draft document says the requirement would not apply to major suppliers or to countries where Brussels considers the risk of Russian gas entering EU supply chains to be low. These may include Algeria, the United Kingdom, Qatar, Nigeria, Norway and the United States.

On January 26, the EU Council formally approved a full ban on imports of Russian LNG from January 1, 2027, and pipeline gas from September 30, 2027. Significant fines are предусмотрены for violations. Similar measures are also being considered for Russian oil and nuclear fuel for power plants.