EU will not fully ban Russian LNG

The European Union has decided not to introduce a full ban on the purchase of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) as part of the new sanctions package, although Brussels plans to introduce a number of restrictions.

According to Politico, the European Commission is set to officially present the 16th sanctions package against Russia on Wednesday, 29 January.

According to information obtained from two EU diplomats, the European Commission's proposal will not include a general ban on the import of Russian LNG. Instead, it proposes to ban the entry of Russian liquefied natural gas into EU terminals that are not connected to the single gas network. 

However, this restriction will not have a significant impact on the main volume of LNG imports into Europe.

The new sanctions package will also affect Russia's so-called "shadow fleet". In line with the plans, the EU intends to impose restrictions on 74 new vessels under Russian control.

In addition, the sanctions package will aim to reduce aluminium exports from Russia. Despite EU efforts to reduce dependence on Russia, Europe still imports around 6% of its aluminium from the country.

One of the novelties in the package will be a ban on the supply of video game equipment, including devices such as Xbox from Microsoft, which, according to EU data, are used by Russia to control drone systems.

However, the decision on LNG has caused disappointment in some EU countries. In December 2024, 10 states, including Finland, Poland and the Baltic states, called on the European Commission to accelerate the ban on the import of Russian gas and LNG.

"This is disappointing. We expected more," Lithuanian Energy Minister Žygimantas Vaičiūnas commented on the situation.