EU Approves Russian Gas Phase-Out by 2028 Despite Opposition

Published 8 hours ago·Updated 4 hours ago

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Above: The European Union flag flies in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Sept. 30, 2025. Image copyright: Kristian Tuxen Ladegaard Berg/NurPhoto/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-Europe narrative

Europe has drawn a resolute line in the sand. By banning Russian oil and gas, the EU is asserting both moral courage and strategic foresight — refusing to fund the very regime that weaponized energy to blackmail democracies. This decisive step marks the dawn of an energy-sovereign Europe, one that stands firm against coercion, closes loopholes and punishes evasion. No longer a hostage to Kremlin pipelines, Europe is reclaiming its power, its principles and its future.

Offshore Energy Guardian

European Union on X

Pro-Russia narrative

Europe's energy embargo is an act of self-inflicted ruin — an ideological crusade that traded stability for crisis. Moscow's vast energy reserves and OPEC+ alliances have fortified Russia's economy, while Europe reels from soaring costs and industrial decay. The EU's ban is illegal and futile, and Russia vows to keep powering global markets, given that demand — and not politics — will dictate energy's future. Europe's moral grandstanding has only exposed its dependence.

TASS

Times Now on Youtube

Narrative C

The EU's Russian gas phase-out by 2028 is a crucial step, but it doesn't go nearly far enough to break free from Putin's energy stranglehold. European countries are still importing massive amounts of Russian gas through backdoor deals with Azerbaijan and Turkey, while Russian LNG imports have actually increased by 37.7% since 2021. This half-hearted approach undermines foreign policy goals of ending Russia's war financing and leaves Europe vulnerable to continued energy blackmail.

Europarl Chatham House