Recital (2)

Since the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the Union aims to further advance its independence from Russian energy. This highlights the urgency to ensure alternative energy supplies from international partners via LNG or pipeline gas, without creating new dependencies. In that context, securing alternative energy supplies from reliable partners will be critical. On 17 June 2025, the Commission presented a proposal for a regulation to fully phase out Russian gas imports into the Union, which includes, in particular, an amendment to Regulation (EU) 2017/1938 of the European Parliament and of the Council. In addition, the Commission’s proposal includes measures allowing for the introduction of a robust and efficient system of tracking the Russian gas that crosses the Union’s border. Such measures would also help with monitoring whether the Russian gas is stored in the Union. The full phase out of Russian gas imports will allow for the reinforcement of the provisions on gas storage laid down in Regulation (EU) 2017/1938, helping the Union to have a more resilient energy system. In view of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the Union should progress quickly towards full independence from Russian fossil fuels. Extending the measures regarding the filling level of gas storage facilities would not only contribute to the continued safeguarding of security of supply, but would also constitute a key instrument in the Union’s efforts to eliminate its dependence on imports of gas originating in Russia.