Denmark has proposed a way to block the import of Russian gas after 2027

Denmark, which chairs the EU Council, has proposed a way for member states of the bloc to close a potential loophole that would allow the import of Russian gas after the respective ban comes into effect at the end of 2027.

This was reported by Bloomberg.

According to Bloomberg, Denmark has proposed requiring gas importers to provide national authorities with evidence that the gas was not produced in Russia.

In the document from the Danish presidency, particular concern is expressed about gas flows coming through the "TurkStream" pipeline, which runs between Russia and Southeastern Europe, as stated in the publication.

"Natural gas entering the EU through borders or interconnectors between the Union and Russia or Belarus, as well as through the ’Strandzha-2’ / Malkoclar interconnector (’TurkStream’), is considered to be exported, directly or indirectly, from the Russian Federation unless clear evidence to the contrary is provided," the document states.

The proposal stipulates that the supply of Russian gas under existing contracts with a duration of less than one year will be terminated no later than June 17, 2026, with the exception of landlocked countries such as Hungary and Slovakia. The ban on supplies under existing long-term agreements will come into effect by the end of 2027.

The Danish presidency aims to agree on the ban of Russian gas among EU member states by October 2025, after which it will negotiate with the European Parliament to reach a final agreement by the end of the year.