Banning Russian fuel: the why, the when, the how | Come and discuss with our journalists

On 17 June, the European Commission proposed to end imports of Russian fuels — with 2028 as a key deadline. In 2024, Europeans paid Moscow €23 billion for energy supplies — and the lion’s share is for gas, for which the ban could start as soon as January. The bloc has already proposed multiple rounds of sanctions in retaliation for the Ukraine war.

But Brussels’ new plan has a number of vocal critics, billions in compensation hinging on complex legal questions , and a rival supplier waiting in the wings — the US, keen to hawk its gas as part of a recently agreed trade deal. In some areas, talks continue at a rapid pace — while in others, such as nuclear fuel, the Commission is still dragging its feet.

How are negotiations going, what are the sticking points, and will the plan ever see the light of day?

Find out on Thursday 16 October at 11am, in a live video broadcast from Brussels where Jack Schickler, managing editor for energy, and reporter Ciarán Sunderland will answer all these questions — and any more you have.