European Commission rules out return to Russian gas imports as AfD calls to restore energy ties with Moscow

The European Commission has said that a return to the previous model of importing Russian gas into the European Union is not being considered.

The statement came amid calls by Alice Weidel, leader of Germany’s Alternative for Germany party, to resume Russian oil and gas supplies in order to support the German economy.

European Commission energy spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen stressed that the EU remains committed to completely phasing out Russian gas and diversifying its supplies.

“At the political level, we have clearly stated that we will not return to Russian energy sources,” she said.

This is not only a political position, but also a matter of existing EU regulation. On January 26, 2026, the Council of the EU formally approved a phased ban on imports of Russian pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas. The regulation entered into force on February 3.

Phased Withdrawal from Russian Gas

The restrictions are being introduced gradually in order to avoid sudden disruptions on the energy market.

For some existing short-term contracts, the ban began to apply in spring and summer 2026: first to LNG and then to pipeline gas. A full ban on Russian LNG imports is due to take effect from the beginning of 2027, while pipeline gas supplies are to be halted in autumn 2027.

The European Commission is also preparing separate measures aimed at further reducing dependence on Russian energy resources, including remaining oil supplies. However, no specific timetable has yet been announced for a new legislative proposal concerning oil.

Weidel Calls for Russian Energy to Return

Against this backdrop, AfD leader Alice Weidel told Reuters that Germany should restore economic ties with Russia and reverse its phase-out of Russian oil and gas.

In her view, cheap Russian energy had been an important factor in the competitiveness of German industry. Weidel also criticised Germany’s growing dependence on more expensive alternative supplies, including imports of U.S. LNG.

The AfD is seeking to strengthen its position in upcoming regional elections in eastern German states, including Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg–Western Pomerania. Weidel sees these campaigns as an important stage in the party’s effort to position itself to form a federal government after the next nationwide election, which must take place no later than 2029.

The Break with Russian Energy Is Becoming Long-Term EU Policy

Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russian gas accounted for a significant share of Europe’s energy market. However, the EU has sharply reduced its purchases in recent years: Russia’s share of the bloc’s gas imports fell from about 45% in 2021 to around 13% in 2025.

The EU’s current strategy is not a temporary reduction in supplies, but a permanent phase-out of Russian gas. As a result, Weidel’s statements run counter to existing EU policy and would require not only a change in Berlin’s position, but also a revision of EU-wide legislation.