The European Commission has confirmed that it will unveil a detailed strategy next month outlining how it plans to end its dependence on Russian oil and gas—three years after the bloc pledged to cut ties with Moscow’s fossil fuels following the invasion of Ukraine.
Initially expected in March, the long-awaited roadmap will now be released on May 6, according to an official agenda published Monday.
This move comes amid continued delays attributed in part to the uncertainty surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs, which could impact transatlantic energy trade talks.
Despite a sharp decline in pipeline gas deliveries from Russia since 2022, the EU increased its imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) last year. As of 2024, Russian gas and LNG still made up around 19% of the EU’s total supply, according to official data.
While the bloc has imposed sweeping sanctions on Russian oil, it has yet to do the same for gas imports—largely due to internal divisions among member states.
Hungary has openly opposed any new sanctions on Russian energy, and several other countries remain hesitant, citing energy security concerns and the lack of viable alternatives.
Although the Commission has reiterated its goal to fully wean off Russian fossil fuels by 2027, it remains unclear what specific measures will be proposed in the upcoming strategy to expedite the transition.