European Union countries agreed on Monday on a plan to gradually ban imports of Russian gas, with the measure set to be fully implemented by the autumn of 2027.

In a statement, the Council of the European Union said that a majority of member state representatives formally adopted regulations for the phased suspension of Russian gas imports, including pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The council noted that the regulation will progressively prohibit imports of Russian gas into the EU, as part of broader efforts to strengthen energy security and reduce dependence on Russian supplies.