The upcoming meeting of EU energy ministers is set to address the gradual cessation of energy imports from Russia.
This was confirmed by a senior EU diplomat.

On October 8, EU ambassadors gathered to discuss the initiative regarding the gradual phase-out of Russian energy sources. They agreed to forward the proposed legislation to their energy ministers.

According to information on the European Council's website, the relevant ministerial meeting is scheduled for October 20. It is expected that an agreement will be reached on the proposal to gradually halt the import of gas and oil from Russia, with a complete ban by January 1, 2028.

This regulation pertains to both pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) and is a key outcome of the "REPowerEU roadmap for ending Russian energy imports," issued by the European Commission in May 2025.

"There was broad support for this initiative during the EU ambassadors' meeting, and the Danish presidency decided that ministers will now make decisions at the Energy Council meeting. However, no decision was scheduled for today," the diplomat said.
It is worth noting that Slovakia and Hungary had previously opposed this plan. However, unanimity is not required in this case, as energy decisions are made by qualified majority.

Earlier in the day, Reuters reported that France and Italy support the overall plan but want supplies to either be pre-authorized — if authorities can ensure this quickly — or checked by authorities upon arrival in the EU to ensure compliance with the ban, EU diplomats said.