Member States to vote on Russian gas ban plan by 22 August

The Danish Presidency has asked the Member States to reach a decision by 22 August on the Russian gas ban plan presented by the European Commission on 17 June, which envisages a three-stage ban on Russian gas imports with a deadline of 31 December 2027. The Council of the European Union is expected to vote on the ban plan on 20 October, and to enter into discussions with the European Parliament in the wake of the vote. The first banning measures should come into force at the beginning of 2026.