EU nations request secrecy in phasing out Russian oil and gas by 2027

EU countries have urged the European Commission (EC) to maintain confidentiality regarding their strategies to cease using Russian oil and gas by the end of 2027, reported Reuters, citing sources.

The EC's proposal last month, which mandates member states to develop national plans detailing measures and timelines for this transition, is currently under negotiation, with governments demanding secrecy as per a draft document.

Currently holding the EU presidency and leading the talks is Denmark, which has drafted a document stating that these plans should be kept under "professional secrecy" and not disclosed without the member state's consent.

The plans are expected to outline national or regional actions to reduce demand, boost renewable energy, secure alternative supplies, and identify potential obstacles to diversification.

The call for confidentiality may stem from concerns over market impacts on gas prices or the exposure of sensitive information about sourcing non-Russian fuels.

Although submission to Brussels is obligatory, the "professional secrecy" clause would prevent disclosure to other parties or authorities.

The EC's initial proposal did not clarify whether the plans would remain confidential. Denmark's EU presidency spokesperson has refrained from commenting on the ongoing negotiations.

Discussions among EU diplomats are set to continue next week, addressing early-stage negotiations and potential legal implications for companies breaching Russian gas contracts.

Slovakia and Hungary, still reliant on Russian gas pipelines, have resisted the ban, though the EU designed the measure to pass without their support.

Slovakia's opposition to new sanctions on Russia, pending resolution of its gas supply concerns, threatens the unanimity required for EU sanctions.

Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has expressed the country's refusal to support the 18th sanctions package without addressing issues of high gas prices and compensation for ceasing Russian imports.

Slovakia is seeking an agreement by Tuesday with the EU on guarantees against the repercussions of ending Russian gas supplies and on a new sanctions framework, according to a separate Reuters report.

Fico highlights the need for political commitments and assurances that Slovakia will not bear the burden alone.

With a contract valid until 2034, the country's reliance on Gazprom for gas has been complicated by Ukraine halting Russian gas transit since late 2024. Slovakia has since sourced gas through the Turkstream pipeline and Hungary.