The European Commission will submit a legal proposal to permanently ban Russian oil imports on April 15, three days after Hungary's parliamentary election, according to EU officials and a document seen by Reuters. Two EU officials told Reuters the timing was designed to prevent the oil ban becoming a major factor in Hungary's election campaign. Hungary and Slovakia, still reliant on Russian oil imports, are strongly opposed to any ban. The Commission plans to propose the Russian oil ban on April 15, according to a draft agenda seen by Reuters. EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen has said the proposal will phase out Russian oil imports by no later than end-2027.

Source: The Telegraph February 24, 2026 17:04 UTC