Press Release: Roadmap to end Russian energy imports will require policy signals and regulatory adjustments to succeed.

Brussels, 6 May 2025 - The Roadmap adopted by the European Commission today will require stronger policy signals on the long-term role of gas, as well as targeted adjustments to remove regulatory barriers and secure alternative supplies from European and reliable global producers.

The Roadmap foresees two steps: ending new and spot gas supply contracts with Russia by the end of 2025 and ending existing gas supply contracts and oil imports by end of 2027.

IOGP Europe calls on policymakers to 1) ensure that the EU regulatory framework is fit to attract alternative gas volumes, 2) ensure robust infrastructure, safeguard its security and full utilization to all parts of Europe including landlocked countries, and 3) a thorough impact assessment accompanies the legislative proposal, while any adverse supply security and/or energy affordability implications are monitored and mitigated throughout the implementation of the roadmap.

“LNG will be extremely important for the EU’s energy supply and energy security over the coming decades. However, in order to secure alternative gas supplies, these need to be underpinned by long-term contracts, which importers and suppliers are currently reluctant to sign due to EU regulatory barriers and weak policy signals on the long-term role of gas. At the same time, expanding domestic production, in particular in the Black Sea and East Med regions will no doubt further bolster Europe’s energy resilience.” said François-Régis Mouton, Managing Director of IOGP Europe.

To succeed in attracting alternative gas supplies, we call on the EU to make targeted policy adjustments by:
1 - Simplifying regulation and addressing unworkable provisions that create uncertainty among buyers and suppliers, in files such as the EU Methane Regulation (e.g. domestic and importer requirements), the Gas Directive (e.g. Art. 31 2049 sunset clause), and the CSDDD (e.g. Article 22).

2 - Adopting more realistic gas demand projections than those of REPowerEU on the way to 2040 and 2050 in light of new market developments, while ensuring they are accompanied by independent and holistic impact assessments considering the impact on the European industrial competitiveness, supply security and consumer affordability.

3 - Encouraging Member States to promote the exploration and production of Europe’s own oil and gas resources and the development of CO2 storage capacities.

4 - Creating a technology-neutral policy framework that recognizes the merits of natural gas and gas-based solutions to Europe’s energy transition objectives.

5 - Using emergency measures only in case a crisis is declared to avoid distorting the gas market and negatively impacting consumers.

In addition, National Plans and transparency requirements should not jeopardize the confidentiality of sensitive commercial data.

IOGP Europe will remain available to provide input from companies’ perspective in the coming weeks and months.

About IOGP Europe
IOGP Europe is the European and advocacy arm of the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP), the leading voice of the global oil and gas industry, pioneering excellence in safe, efficient and sustainable energy.

We represent around 30 energy companies accounting for 70% of EU oil & gas production.

We support policymakers in crafting impactful and inclusive policies that drive prosperity for Europe's businesses and citizens.

Contact
Nareg Terzian
Head of Strategy and Communications
Email: gro.p1747941228goi@z1747941228tn1747941228
www.iogpeurope.org

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