New measures introduced by the European Union targeting Russian gas have officially entered into force, tightening import controls and fundamentally reshaping how gas enters the bloc.
Under the revised framework, new spot purchases and newly signed contracts involving Russian gas are no longer permitted. Agreements concluded before mid-June 2025 may continue on a temporary basis, but all incoming shipments must now receive prior authorization from relevant authorities before entering the EU market.
The new regime introduces extensive reporting obligations for importers. Companies are required to disclose key contractual details, including duration, volumes and counterparties. Additional requirements depend on the type of gas being imported. LNG cargoes must specify the liquefaction facility and original loading port, while mixed-origin gas must be accompanied by clear documentation detailing the share of supply from each country and the blending methodology.
Strict timelines have also been imposed. Documentation for Russian gas must be submitted at least one month prior to delivery, while imports from other sources require notification at least five working days in advance.
Certain suppliers are exempt from these procedures. Countries that exported more than 5 billion cubic meters of gas to the EU in 2024 may qualify for exemptions, provided they have taken steps to limit Russian gas exposure or lack the infrastructure to import it. This applies to key partners such as Norway, United States, United Kingdom, Algeria, Qatar and Nigeria.
Customs authorities have been granted expanded powers to deny entry to shipments if the submitted documentation is incomplete or deemed unreliable, reinforcing enforcement of the new rules.
Particular scrutiny applies to gas entering the EU via Bulgaria. At the Strandzha 1 entry point, where flows from Turkey may include Russian-origin gas mixed with other supplies, importers must demonstrate the origin of the gas in advance. Meanwhile, gas arriving through the TurkStream pipeline at Strandzha 2 is treated as entirely Russian, leaving little room for ambiguity under the new framework.
These measures reflect the EU’s broader strategy to reduce dependence on Russian energy while strengthening transparency and control over gas supply chains.
