Document shows EU wants proof of Russian gas origin in order to enforce Russian ban

A document obtained by revealed that European Union countries may impose stricter requirements for companies to prove the source of gas imported as part the bloc's plan phase out Russian imports. Last month, the European Commission proposed legislation that would phase out EU imports from Russia by January 1, 2028. This is part of a plan to end decades of energy relations between Russia and Brussels following Russia's 2022 invasion in Ukraine.

It is notoriously hard to prove where the gas that may be mixed in transit originates.

The latest draft of the negotiation proposal seen by showed that countries were considering requiring importers to provide additional documentary proof to national officials that their fuel was not Russian.

The proposal will be discussed by diplomats from EU countries at a meeting on Tuesday in Brussels.

The document, dated 28 August, stated that "for imports of gas produced in countries other than Russia, authorising authorities... must be provided with proof to establish the country where the gas was produced."

This clause does not apply to countries which have banned or sanctioned Russian gas imports.

The EU's proposed ban will see the EU phase out Russian gas imports in accordance with existing contracts, starting January 2026. Existing short-term contracts, beginning June 17, 2026. And long-term contracts, beginning January 2028.

The document of negotiation was written by Denmark which currently holds the rotating EU presidency. It refused to comment.

The document stated that importers of LNG cargoes containing gas from different origins would need to also provide documentation to prove the amount of Russian gas in these mixed cargoes. The document stated that the governments aim to reach a consensus on their position regarding the Russian gas embargo by mid-October. After this, they will then negotiate with the European Parliament and approve the final legislation.

Last year, about 19% of Europe’s gas was imported from Russia via the TurkStream pipeline. This share will fall to 13% by 2025 from 45% in the past. (Reporting and editing by Philip Blenkinsop, Barbara Lewis and Kate Abnett)

(source: Reuters)