Kelly welcomes EU ban on Russian gas and oil by 2027

Seán Kelly MEP and Leader of Fine Gael in the European Parliament has welcomed today’s vote in favour of banning imports of Russian gas and oil by 2027. “Banning Russian energy imports is an essential step to stop funding the Kremlin’s war machine, while strengthening Europe’s energy independence and delivering the low, stable energy prices we need. Since 2022, I have called on the EU to embargo imports of coal, oil and gas from Russia as soon as possible. I was glad to vote in favour of this further step today”, said Kelly, a Member of the Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy.

“We, in Fine Gael, have always absolutely condemned the illegal war in Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. We call on Russian forces to withdraw from Ukraine immediately. EU sanctions against Russia are essential.

“The EU spends €43 million every hour on imported fossil fuels. If recent years has shown us anything, it is that dependence on volatile fossil fuel imports puts our citizens and industries at risk of massive price shocks. We must end our reliance on these markets and accelerate the delivery of the home-grown renewable generation that drives down our wholesale prices. Energy independence is the single most important objective to help protect citizens against rising energy costs, especially the most vulnerable,” Kelly stressed.

Under the plan approved by the European Parliament today, the EU is urged to speed up the shift towards a stronger, more diverse energy mix – including renewables and LNG. Monitoring and enforcement must be tough and transparent – with clear rules, close cooperation between Member States and the EU, and real accountability. Penalties are put in place to ensure anyone who tries to dodge the ban faces consequences.

“Thanks to the EPP Group’s strong insistence, Member States are now obliged to no longer buy – directly or indirectly – LNG or pipeline gas from the Russian aggressor as from 2027. We made sure that a similar ban on Russian oil imports will be negotiated and become law soon”, the Ireland South MEP stated.

ENDS