Ukrainian campaign group Razom We Stand, together with more than 30 European civil society organisations, is urging European Union leaders to close the dangerous loopholes that still allow Russian fossil fuels to flow into Europe and finance the Kremlin’s war against Ukraine. In a joint signed letter led by CAN Europe, the organisations call on EU trilogue negotiators to defend a strong, loophole-free Regulation that fully aligns with the European Parliament’s ambition and finally puts an end to Europe’s dependence on Russian gas.
With negotiations entering their decisive phase, civil society warns that weakening the Regulation now would hand Russia continued leverage over Europe’s security — and prolong its capacity to wage war. While fossil fuel lobby groups push to weaken the Regulation, civil society is united in demanding that negotiators uphold both Europe’s security and Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Dr Svitlana Romanko, Founder & Executive Director of Razom We Stand, said, “We cannot allow Europe’s energy system to remain a lifeline for Russia’s war machine. Every day that loopholes stay open, Ukrainian lives are destroyed, our environment is poisoned, and Europe’s security is put at risk. Fossil fuel lobbyists are working relentlessly to dilute this Regulation, but the EU must stand firm. We need clear deadlines, strict enforcement, and zero backdoors for Russian oil, gas or LNG. Ending Russian fossil fuel imports is not only a matter of climate ambition — it is a matter of justice, of human rights, and of Europe’s moral responsibility to help stop this war.”
The letter outlines five core demands for a meaningful, enforceable ban:
- Close loopholes by keeping firm, binding deadlines: end short-term contracts by Jan 2026 and all long-term Russian gas imports by Jan 2027, rejecting any extensions or exemptions.
- Strengthen scope and enforcement: extend the Regulation to cover Russian oil and petrochemical products, stop LNG transhipment and resale through third countries, prevent EU financial institutions from facilitating payments linked to Russian fossil fuels, and maintain strong penalties for violations.
- Delete the “security of supply” suspension clause (Article 15): ensuring Russia cannot re-enter the EU energy system during crises, which would undermine Europe’s security and leverage.
- Require transparent National Diversification Plans: ensuring every Member State delivers public, robust plans aligned with NECPs that reduce gas demand, boost renewables and efficiency, and avoid any new fossil fuel investments.
- Guarantee full traceability of gas imports: through certificates of ultimate origin issued by an independent EU body, to prevent “gas laundering” through third countries.
Recent analysis by Razom We Stand shows that aligning the final Regulation with the European Parliament’s position, rather than the weaker Council stance, could cut an additional €29 billion from Russia’s war revenues within just two years.
The trilogue outcome will determine whether the EU finally ends its dependence on Russian fossil fuels — or allows industry pressure to prolong it. Civil society is united: this Regulation must be a turning point, not another delay.
