Against the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East, avoiding any unnecessary barriers to imports of non-Russian gas coming into the EU is essential. In that context, the Commission has published updated guidance on the implementation of the REPowerEU Gas regulation. It clarifies certain procedural details on prior authorisation of non-Russian gas imports.
Published on 2 February, the REPowerEU Gas Regulation sets out the legal requirements to phase out natural gas imports from Russia. Today also marks the first implementation deadline – imports under short- or long-term liquified natural gas (LNG) and pipeline gas contracts concluded, or amended, after 17 June 2025 thus become prohibited.
Following consultations with national authorities and stakeholders, the Commission updated the guidance document to provide clarity, notably on the flexibilities related to prior authorisation procedures. Avoiding unnecessary barriers to imports of non-Russian LNG can be done, for example, with faster authorisations, simpler submission of documents and exchanges between authorities and mutual recognition of prior authorisations.
By simplifying processes and maximising the flexibilities, non-Russian cargoes can travel to the EU with as few administrative obstacles as possible.
Related links
- REPowerEU – phase out of Russian energy imports
- Guidance on the implementation of the REPowerEU Gas Regulation
- Regulation on phasing out Russian natural gas imports, improving monitoring of potential energy dependencies (EU/261/2026)
- News: EU takes the next step towards energy independence from Russia (2 February 2026)
