At the end of the second session of inter-institutional negotiations (‘trilogues’) on the ‘REPowerEU’ regulation for a definitive ban on Russian gas in the EU, on the evening of Thursday 20 November, the European Commission was asked to provide guidance on a series of points, including the possibility of bringing forward the date for the end of Russian gas imports via pipelines (planned by the Commission for the end of 2027). This could be set earlier in 2027, after the 2026-2027 winter season.
This possibility, which is still being studied, according to two sources, aims to find common ground between the Council of the EU, which wants to see a definitive phase-out of Russian gas on 1 January 2028 (as indicated in the Commission’s proposal), and the European Parliament, which supports a complete ban on 1 January 2027 (see EUROPE 13750/24).
An exit from the gas via pipeline at the end of 2026 would entail risks for energy security, but even more so for energy prices, explained a European source, who stressed that “we must be careful not to harm ourselves more than Russia”.
For liquefied natural gas (LNG), the solution seems, a priori, more obvious, since it would be possible to make the ban date coincide with the timetable of the 19th sanctions package, which introduces a ban on Russian LNG from 1 January 2027 (see EUROPE 13737/6).
Ban on Russian oil. On the question of incorporating an explicit ban on Russian oil into the regulation, as the Parliament would like, the co-legislators could in the end simply consider including a declaration of intent in the text. This point has not yet been decided either.
Review clause. The review clause in the regulation, in the event of risks to security of supply, is also still being debated. However, the EU Council is in favour of it, and stresses the need for it from a political point of view. However, it reportedly tried to reassure Parliament that it would be very difficult in practice to activate this clause (if it were an emergency measure).
The Commission has also been asked to provide options for the sanctions regime to be applied to companies that fail to comply with the regulation, and for the scope of the diversification plans required of Member States.
It is also necessary to find a solution to the negotiations on the pre-authorisation process for non-Russian gas exporters.
The general feeling is that an agreement can be reached, but that negotiations at technical level are not progressing quickly enough. The next political trilogue will take place on 2 December. The Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU hopes that it will be conclusive, so that an Interinstitutional Agreement can be reached before the winter break. (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)