The Russian gas imports rise despite EU phase-out story underlines a difficult truth for Europe: even with a formal exit plan in place, the bloc is still buying more Russian gas in the short term. Fresh monitoring data shows imports increased in early 2026, exposing how energy security, legacy contracts and global supply shocks continue to shape European markets.
For readers tracking Europe through a travel, business and geopolitical lens, this matters well beyond energy policy. Gas prices influence transport costs, inflation, hotel operations, aviation demand and the broader stability of destinations across the continent.
Russian gas imports rise despite EU phase-out: What the new report says
According to a new report from the EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER), Russian gas flows into the European Union climbed during the first months of 2026 even after the bloc adopted its phase-out framework in March.
- Russian pipeline gas imports rose 7% year-on-year versus 2025
- Russian LNG imports increased 11%
- After the March rules took effect, LNG arrivals accelerated further, up 17% compared with the same period in 2025
The increase does not necessarily mean the EU has changed course. Instead, regulators say companies are front-loading deliveries under authorised contracts before tougher restrictions arrive in 2027.
That means the headline Russian gas imports rise despite EU phase-out trend reflects a transition period rather than a policy reversal.
Where the gas is entering Europe
Russian liquefied natural gas is still mainly entering the EU through coastal states with major import terminals. ACER said the principal entry points for LNG are:
- Spain
- France
- Belgium
- The Netherlands
Meanwhile, pipeline gas remains concentrated in a smaller group of countries with existing long-term arrangements:
- Hungary
- Slovakia
- Greece
New Russian gas contracts have effectively been barred since March 2026, but older contracts are being allowed to run down gradually to prevent major market disruption. ACER estimates the currently authorised contracts still represent around 45 to 55 billion cubic metres of annual supply capacity. That is far below pre-war levels, when Russia exported roughly 150 to 157 bcm to the EU, but it remains significant.
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Why Russian gas imports are increasing now
The core explanation is timing. Analysts and regulators say importers are using the flexibility left in existing agreements before the full ban phases in. In other words, the fact that Russian gas imports rise despite EU phase-out rules does not automatically point to deeper long-term dependence.
There are also wider market pressures at play:
- Global LNG uncertainty: conflict involving Israel, the US and Iran disrupted parts of the Middle East energy picture
- Commercial hedging: buyers sought available cargoes amid fears over tighter future supply
- Trans-shipment changes: restrictions on handling Russian LNG for onward shipment may have left more volumes inside the EU market
Market intelligence specialists have also noted record EU imports of Russian LNG in April and May, suggesting traders responded quickly to global volatility and contract availability.
Not a sanctions failure, says ACER
ACER argues the recent rise should not be interpreted as a collapse of EU sanctions or a strategic return to Russian supply. Instead, officials say the bloc remains on a downward path overall, with the legally binding phase-out still intact.
The timeline is crucial:
- New contracts are effectively prohibited from March 2026
- Russian LNG imports face a complete ban from January 2027
- Pipeline imports are due to end by September 2027, with limited safeguards for vulnerable member states
This is why the phrase Russian gas imports rise despite EU phase-out needs context. The increase is happening during the wind-down period, not after the final bans take effect.
The countries still most exposed
Europe’s dependence on Russian gas is no longer evenly spread. Most member states have sharply cut their purchases since the invasion of Ukraine, but a few countries remain heavily exposed.
Hungary and Slovakia
These two landlocked states face the toughest adjustment. Both continue to receive large volumes via the TurkStream route and are estimated to source around 70% to 80% of their gas from Russia.
Greece
Greece has reduced exposure compared with earlier years but Russian gas still represents roughly 50% to 55% of its gas imports, according to the report.
The main challenge is not whether Europe can find enough gas overall. The bigger issue is infrastructure: getting alternative supplies into Central European markets that lack direct access to the sea.
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What this means for Europe’s economy and travel sector
When Russian gas imports rise despite EU phase-out, the impact can ripple far beyond utilities and regulators. Energy costs remain central to Europe’s economic mood, and that affects tourism and mobility too.
- Higher gas costs can push up hotel and hospitality operating expenses
- Transport and aviation sectors may face indirect pricing pressure
- Consumer confidence can weaken if energy bills and inflation rise
- Destination competitiveness may shift as operating costs vary across countries
ACER says Europe is better prepared than during the 2022 energy crisis thanks to diversification. But new dependencies have emerged, especially on the US, Algeria and Qatar. At the same time, the EU hopes future supply from Romania’s Black Sea projects and Azerbaijan’s Southern Gas Corridor can help ease the transition.
FAQs
Why are Russian gas imports still increasing if the EU is banning them?
Because some existing contracts are still allowed during a transition period. Importers appear to be maximising permitted deliveries before stricter deadlines arrive in 2027.
Which EU countries are still importing the most Russian gas?
For LNG, the main entry states are Spain, France, Belgium and the Netherlands. For pipeline gas, Hungary, Slovakia and Greece remain key recipients.
When will the EU fully stop Russian gas imports?
The EU plans a full ban on Russian LNG from January 2027 and a broader end to pipeline imports by September 2027, with narrow exceptions tied to supply security.
Does this mean EU sanctions are failing?
Not according to ACER. Regulators say the current rise reflects front-loaded deliveries and market uncertainty, not a reversal of the phase-out strategy.
Conclusion
The latest data shows that Russian gas imports rise despite EU phase-out measures, but the bigger picture is still one of managed withdrawal rather than renewed dependence. Europe has reduced Russian supply dramatically since the pre-war era, yet the final stretch will be the hardest for the countries still reliant on legacy pipelines and LNG contracts. The real test will come in 2027, when legal deadlines tighten and Europe must prove its new energy map can hold.
Article/Image Courtesy: Euronews
