What happened: EU negotiators advanced rules to require proof‑of‑origin for gas and to presume Russian origin when evidence is ambiguous—aimed at stopping relabeled flows through transit countries as a 2028 cutoff nears.
Why it matters
Closing loopholes is the difference between policy on paper and actual flow cessation. For utilities and traders, documentation and contract terms become operational risks to manage.
By the numbers / context
- Timeline: new contracts curbed from 2026; long‑term deals phased out by Jan 1, 2028.
- Mechanics: presumptions of origin, tighter customs checks, and LNG service restrictions.
- Politics: reinforced majority limits holdout leverage from states reliant on Russian supply.
What to watch
Implementation guidance for mixed‑origin gas and LNG cargoes; compliance costs for importers; and capacity build‑out for alternatives.
Sources
- https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/eu-countries-try-limit-ways-circumvent-russian-gas-ban-draft-shows-2025-09-05/
- https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/eu-seeks-proof-gas-origin-enforce-russian-ban-document-shows-2025-08-29/
- https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/how-eu-plans-ban-russian-gas-2025-06-17/