BRUSSELS: EU countries on Monday agreed to phase out their remaining gas imports from Russia by the end of 2027, breaking a dependency the bloc has struggled to end despite Moscow’s war on Ukraine. Energy ministers meeting in Luxembourg approved a plan by the European Commission to phase out both pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Russia, subject to approval by the bloc’s parliament. Lars Aagaard, energy minister of Denmark, which holds the European Union’s rotating presidency, called it a “crucial” step to make Europe energy independent.

More than three and a half years on from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Europe is still grappling with its energy security by diversifying its oil and gas imports away from Moscow…

"This decision includes a ban on the purchase of both pipeline and liquefied natural gas from Russia," the statement reads